horsepower

noun

horse·pow·er | \ ˈhȯrs-ˌpau̇(-ə)r

Definition of horsepower

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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing horsepower Learn More About horsepower

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 However, the top level of the sport has since evolved into a horsepower shootout, with the fastest Top Fuel dragsters cranking out up to 11,000 hp. — Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 10 May 2022 The swap brings a horsepower increase from 147 to 158, while torque remains at 184 pound-feet. — Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 6 May 2022 Nothing like that has yet been announced for the current model but GM engineers have said a major reason for putting the engine in the back was to allow for better performance at extremely high horsepower levels. — Peter Valdes-dapena, CNN, 25 Apr. 2022 At the moment, the length-overall (LOA) sweet spot is from 30 feet to 60-plus feet but, as Volvo ups its IPS horsepower ratings, that could move to 80- or even 120-footers. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2022 Unlike the 212, the Huey II remains a single-engine helicopter powered by a Honeywell T53-L-703 turboshaft engine with 1,800 shaft-horsepower. — Eric Tegler, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2021 Despite the smaller engine, the C63 is still expected to produce over 500 horsepower. — Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 26 Apr. 2022 Assuming both those motors are the same, a single one of them would produce 213 horsepower and 387 pound-feet of torque. — Wes Siler, Outside Online, 19 Mar. 2022 Just as well, because the long-range RWD SE with 303 miles of range and 225 horsepower costs $45,245 and is already at dealers. — Dan Edmunds, Car and Driver, 22 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'horsepower.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.