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

• 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

At 331 cubic inches and 180 horsepower, the engine brought significant thrust to Chrysler's mainstream offerings, outclassing most of its competition. —Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025

The Spectre is Rolls-Royce’s first all-electric vehicle, powered by two electric motors that make 577 horsepower and having a WLTP range of 329 miles. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025

At 331 cubic inches and 180 horsepower, the engine brought significant thrust to Chrysler's mainstream offerings, outclassing most of its competition. —Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025

The Honda Odyssey produces more horsepower (280 horses) using its V6 engine. —Charles Singh, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Oct. 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