hot rod

noun

: an automobile rebuilt or modified for high speed and fast acceleration

Examples of hot rod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Allen had received a Season 2 nod, and after his team missed the deadline for Emmys consideration for Season 3, Disney put on an elaborate spectacle the following year, complete with a hot rod and the USC marching band leading a parade to present Allen’s nomination ballot to the Television Academy. Ashley Spencer, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2024 The movie is a unicorn of sorts, a pure and perfect action flick with post-apocalyptic hot rods, gorgeous demolition-derby carnage and demented confidence. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 21 May 2024 Now it’s decided to go after BMW’s M cars and Mercedes-AMG’s hot rods with its own high-performance line: Magma. Alex Kwanten, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024 The car’s hot rod–style roof chop may seem sacrilegious to some, but the low-slung Lancia is based on an actual Carrera Panamericana racer that was also lowered in period. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2024 The theme park will feature attractions also located at its first location in Arizona, including two highly immersive Hot Wheels roller coasters, double-looping Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer and Hot Wheels Bone Shaker, emblazoned with the famous hot rod’s skull design. Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2024 Here's a look at what to expect ahead of the annual hot rod custom car show's return. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 22 Feb. 2024 Custom cars The show will feature more than 800 custom cars and hot rods. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 22 Feb. 2024 Like most hot rods, the name smashes together various bits of identity and branding to create both a descriptive moment and a few beats of expectation. Ewan Spence, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hot rod.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hot rod was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near hot rod

Cite this Entry

“Hot rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20rod. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

hot rod

noun
: an automobile rebuilt or changed for high speed and fast acceleration

More from Merriam-Webster on hot rod

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