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

There are a few ways to do it—like running sequentials, with a smaller turbo and another larger one for higher horsepower—but Stellantis‘ SRT Performance Division has another solution. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 6 Aug. 2026

Don’t skip removing the cilantro stems—especially if your blender is lacking in horsepower. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026

This electric vehicle, built by Toyota, boasts 338 horsepower from dual motors, offering wicked fast highway performance and effortlessly tackling steep grades. — Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

For Summerhill residents, the event is about more than horsepower. — Brian Unger, CBS News, 29 July 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