horsepower

noun

horse·​pow·​er ˈhȯrs-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce horsepower (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The tires are capable of handling more torque, horsepower and weight than before, can be tuned for each automaker's needs and are more sustainable than previous P Zero generations. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 Aside from the total output of 650 horsepower and 792 lb-ft of torque – both suitably vast, even for an equally large car that weighs over 6,500 pounds – the new flagship Spectre has a couple of dynamic tricks up its sleeve. Alistair Charlton, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Toyota appears to address many concerns of the first-generation EV with the 2026 model year updates, including a 25% increase in EV range, up to 50% improvement in horsepower and fast-charging capabilities. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 13 May 2025 The Jaguar has a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine producing 265 horsepower and a four-speed manual transmission. James Raia, Mercury News, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for horsepower

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of horsepower was in 1806

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Cite this Entry

“Horsepower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horsepower. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

horsepower

noun
horse·​pow·​er ˈhȯr-ˌspau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce horsepower (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on horsepower

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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