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 additional capabilities and horsepower of newer devices also supports a broader range of apps, creating more opportunities to monetize each device sale. — Zev Fima,jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 July 2026

For 2025, the Taos was appreciably updated — more horsepower and improved interior and exterior styling. — James Raia, Mercury News, 19 July 2026

Mopeds, which are also in the vehicle code, would include two- or three-wheel vehicles that can travel up to 30 mph with an electric motor of less than 3 kilowatts or an internal combustion engine that produces less than 4 horsepower. — Madison Smalstig july 18, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026

Back in February, my boss Kyle Cheromcha squeezed into racetrack attire and survived a white-knuckle drive in the new Testrossa, courtesy of 1,036 horsepower and a very wet road course. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 15 July 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