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 2026 Sequoia is a 3 row hybrid SUV that serves as a powerful tech forward family vehicle, now featuring enhanced luxury, improved off road capabilities, and a standard 437 horsepower i-FORCE MAX twin turbo V6 hybrid powertrain across all trims. —Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026

Toyota’s tried-and-true Hybrid Synergy Drive at 245 horsepower (180 kW) in total output. —New Atlas, 19 Apr. 2026

Hyundai's 2025 Ioniq 6 produces 149 horsepower and has 240 miles of standard range. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

But this loss of horsepower and expertise has come at the cost of her own effectiveness in the role—if, that is, effectiveness is really the goal to begin with. —Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 13 Apr. 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