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

The Swedish automaker also offers a Twin Motor Performance trim ($46,345) that produces a whopping 422 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026

Much of Peter Finch's raging wildfire of a performance is delivered in extended monologues, but the nuanced Australian actor portrays the man's brokenness even during his horsepower speeches. —Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026

Also on display is the championship-winning 1986 Nissan 300ZX, a 1979 Nissan 280ZX Twin Turbo V8 which produces 933 horsepower and a 1971 Triumph TR6, which launched Newman’s professional racing career. —Richard Guzman, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026

For a vehicle that weighs nearly three tons, the 420-horsepower engine moved this vehicle quickly and confidently. —Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 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