horsepower

noun

horse·​pow·​er ˈhȯrs-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce horsepower (audio)
Synonyms of horsepowernext
1
: the power that a horse exerts in pulling
2
: a unit of power equal in the U.S. to 746 watts and nearly equivalent to the English gravitational unit of the same name that equals 550 foot-pounds of work per second
3
: effective power
intellectual horsepower
computing horsepower

Synonyms of horsepower

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Examples of horsepower in a Sentence

an engine with 200 horsepower that architectural firm probably doesn't have the creative horsepower to produce a truly innovative design
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 automaker said the GV90 features a new high-performance electric motor system capable of up to 490 kilowatts (about 660 horsepower) and 800 Newton-meters (590 foot-pounds) of torque. — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026 Lucid is targeting the exact sweet spot with this 1,000-plus horsepower statement piece. — New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026 Class 3 e-bikes have up to a 750W, or 1-horsepower, motor and can reach speeds of up to 28 mph. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 But there is an application for horsepower and torque that’s practically unlimited—a true blank slate—and that’s gensets. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for horsepower

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of horsepower was in 1806

Phrases Containing horsepower

Rhymes for horsepower

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Browse Nearby Words

horse post
horsepower
horsepower-hour
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Cite this Entry

“Horsepower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horsepower. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

horsepower

noun
horse·​pow·​er ˈhȯr-ˌspau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce horsepower (audio)
: a unit of power equal in the U.S. to 746 watts and nearly equal to the English unit of the same name that equals 550 foot-pounds of work per second

More from Merriam-Webster on horsepower

Nglish: Translation of horsepower for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about horsepower

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