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

Combined, the two make 670 horsepower that is sent through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 4 Feb. 2026

The hybrid version of the Lexus NX combines a powerful 304-horsepower engine with fuel efficiency, with the vehicle able to travel 37 miles solely on electricity, according to Consumer Reports. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026

There’s a big roof scoop and bulbous arches, concealing an 1,100-horsepower V8 that also makes 850 lb-ft of torque. —Adam Ismail, The Drive, 28 Jan. 2026

Compact motors deliver around 11,000 horsepower — roughly the equivalent of 100 family cars — alongside multiple power and braking systems. —Ben Jones, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 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