powerhouse

noun

pow·​er·​house ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ˌhau̇s 

1

a

: power plant sense 1

b

: a source of influence or inspiration

2

: one having great power: such as

a

: one having great drive, energy, or ability

a powerhouse rock band

b

: an athletic team characterized by strong aggressive play

Synonyms

• achiever
• highflyer
• hustler
• highflier
• enterpriser
• self-starter
• go-ahead
• go-getter

Examples of powerhouse in a Sentence

The country is an economic powerhouse.

Their company became a powerhouse in the video game industry.

She's a powerhouse on the tennis court.

This year's team is a powerhouse that's winning its games easily.

Seaweed is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals.

He is a powerhouse of ideas.

Recent Examples on the Web

While her heart and effort were Aurora, she also was pumped up for her brother, who was named the game’s MVP against the Cincinnati powerhouse. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025

As a powerhouse in the SEC, expectations will always be high on Alabama to have a high standing in the conference. —Richard Pereira, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025

Michigan State University, the University of Nebraska, Northwestern University, Cornell University, the University of Southern California and Duke University are among other research powerhouses announcing major spending budget reductions. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

This week's quiz highlights festive fruits, tech powerhouses — and much more. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for powerhouse

• boardinghouse
• charterhouse
• clearinghouse
• coffeehouse
• customhouse
• firehouse
• meetinghouse
• motherhouse
• packinghouse
• pilothouse
• slaughterhouse
• summerhouse

Kids Definition

powerhouse

noun

pow·​er·​house ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ˌhau̇s 

1

: power plant

2

: a person or thing having unusual strength or energy