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
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The Petersen Automotive Museum is putting the pedal to the medal with a new exhibition featuring some street racing hot rods that have made film history. Richard Guzman, Daily News, 6 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Hot rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20rod. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

hot rod

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

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