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

Early reports suggest the total system output could reach up to 952 horsepower, potentially propelling the SUV from 0–62 mph in roughly three seconds and offering a total driving range above 620 miles, though these numbers are still unofficial. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 7 Dec. 2025

Back in 2016, Lucid Motors unveiled its first-ever EV prototype, a 900-horsepower luxury sedan that offered over 300 miles of range. —New Atlas, 6 Dec. 2025

Hybrid performance: The hybrid power train delivers 204 horsepower for quick acceleration, while maintaining good fuel economy. —Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025

For those who like their Christmas spirit with a bit of horsepower, Speedway Christmas at the Charlotte Motor Speedway delivers pure spectacle. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2025

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