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 heart leaps every now and then to hear some hot rod out there, or some motorcycle roaring late at night in glorious, mortal disregard. David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Cambra makes hot rods and custom cars bikes, trucks and vans, according to its website. Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025 Ezell uses the space as a parts shop and man cave, covering the walls in vintage racing and hot rod memorabilia. Michelle Pemberton, IndyStar, 9 Oct. 2025 Playing a car mechanic, James discovered a talent for tinkering with engines and had a stint as a stock car racer and real mechanic, notably working on Presley’s hot rods. Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Hot rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20rod. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

hot rod

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hot rod

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