V-8

noun

ˈvē-ˈāt 

variants or V8

: an internal combustion engine having two banks of four cylinders each with the banks at an angle to each other

also : an automobile having such an engine compare v-6

Examples of V-8 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its predecessor, the model 406, using the tried-and-true Bristol inline-six engine, was relatively heavy and thus underpowered, and so for the 407 and subsequent models, Chrysler V-8 engines became the power plant of choice. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026

Announced last August in a two-car new muscle vehicle offering, the Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak is a three-row muscle SUV featuring a 710-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. —James Raia, Mercury News, 25 Jan. 2026

The Chargers don't have a V-8 under the hood. —Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 24 Jan. 2026

At its heart sits a bespoke 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 from Mercedes-AMG, but this is paired with three electric motors to deliver a staggering 1,064 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque. —Jeremy White, Wired News, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above