hot rod

noun

: an automobile rebuilt or modified for high speed and fast acceleration

Examples of hot rod in a Sentence

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 event featured classic hot rods, lowered cars, live music and local vendors in an atmosphere intentionally designed to be inclusive and family-oriented. Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 17 May 2026 Supporters say the plates will help recognize the cultural pride that goes into keeping these hot rods rolling on California roadways. James Taylor, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026 Owners stood beside their cars on the lawn, residents and visitors wandered freely through the park, and hot rods shared space with antiques and other classic automobiles. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 The Jeep Chief from 2015 comes to mind for me, and the Quicksand hot rod from 2017, too. Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot rod

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hot rod was in 1943

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hot rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20rod. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

hot rod

noun
: an automobile rebuilt or changed for high speed and fast acceleration

More from Merriam-Webster on hot rod

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster