shaft horsepower

noun

: horsepower transmitted by an engine shaft

Examples of shaft horsepower 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.
They are powered by a single General Electric S9G nuclear reactor generating 40,000 shaft horsepower with a pump jet propulsor. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 14 Mar. 2023 Two electric motors, each delivering eight shaft horsepower, are used; there is one to each rear wheel, the latter being driven by a rugged sprocket and chain system that is geared down to conserve power. B.c. George, Car and Driver, 27 June 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shaft horsepower was in 1908

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Cite this Entry

“Shaft horsepower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaft%20horsepower. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

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