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

As with the original oceangoing hotrod, the latest iteration combines lightweight carbon fiber and huge amounts of horsepower to create a truly thrilling cruising experience on the seas. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 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

Eldridge and Kubler took an identical boat with a 25-horsepower Evinrude e-Tec propeller-drive outboard. —Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 25 Jan. 2026

As for the motor, the C-HR runs on dual electric motors producing a total of 338 horsepower. —New Atlas, 24 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