horsepower

noun

horse·​pow·​er ˈhȯrs-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

1

: the power that a horse exerts in pulling

2

: a unit of power equal in the U.S. to 746 watts and nearly equivalent to the English gravitational unit of the same name that equals 550 foot-pounds of work per second

3

: effective power

intellectual horsepower

computing horsepower

Synonyms of horsepower

• power
• energy
• strength
• muscle

Examples of horsepower in a Sentence

an engine with 200 horsepower

that architectural firm probably doesn't have the creative horsepower to produce a truly innovative design

Recent Examples on the Web

The SxS Concept packs a 300-plus-horsepower hybrid turbo setup for high-speed off-roading, while the modular BKE Concept explores compact personal mobility. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026

Unlike the light-duty, which got a new V8 related to the Corvette’s LS6, the HD makes do with the last-gen V8 architecture, still good for 412 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 10 Nov. 2026

Davis’s frustration is aimed less at any single subscription—offerings run the gamut from remote start to horsepower upgrades—than at the market’s direction. — Emma Witman, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

Propulsion comes from two 1,100-horsepower engines connected to waterjets. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing horsepower

• shaft horsepower

Rhymes for horsepower

• candlepower
• cauliflower
• overpower
• superpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• manpower

Kids Definition

horsepower

noun

horse·​pow·​er ˈhȯr-ˌspau̇(-ə)r 

: a unit of power equal in the U.S. to 746 watts and nearly equal to the English unit of the same name that equals 550 foot-pounds of work per second