powerhouse

noun

pow·​er·​house ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ˌhau̇s How to pronounce powerhouse (audio)
Synonyms of powerhousenext
1
b
: a source of influence or inspiration
2
: one having great power: such as
a
: one having great drive, energy, or ability
a powerhouse rock band
b
: an athletic team characterized by strong aggressive play

Examples of powerhouse in a Sentence

The country is an economic powerhouse. Their company became a powerhouse in the video game industry. She's a powerhouse on the tennis court. This year's team is a powerhouse that's winning its games easily. Seaweed is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. He is a powerhouse of ideas.
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 first film from powerhouse distributor Neon to open SXSW, this tale of a team of shoplifters fighting against an unequal system will receive the maximum spotlight for its radical message ahead of opening May 22. Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 Hall of Fame high school football coach Bob Johnson, who built powerhouse programs at El Toro and Mission Viejo and became known for mentoring for his sons and other top quarterbacks, died Wednesday after a long fight with Alzheimer’s disease, his son Bret confirmed. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 12 Mar. 2026 Australian wines made from 100 percent Shiraz are often full-on powerhouses, from the first scents of blackberry, blueberry, violet, spice, and black pepper to tastes of black cherry, cassis, jalapeño, chocolate, and espresso that lead to a long, chewy finish. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2026 La Reina del Reggaetón Ivy Queen and salsa icon La India — two powerhouses of Latin music — take over the Rosemont Theatre this weekend. Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for powerhouse

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of powerhouse was in 1870

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Powerhouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerhouse. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

powerhouse

noun
pow·​er·​house ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ˌhau̇s How to pronounce powerhouse (audio)
1
2
: a person or thing having unusual strength or energy

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