horsepower

noun

horse·​pow·​er ˈhȯrs-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

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

• energy
• firepower
• force
• might
• muscle
• potence
• potency
• power
• puissance
• sinew
• strength
• vigor

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

The new engine’s horsepower output climbed just 11 ponies to 425 hp, but torque saw a mighty boost, going from 295 lb-ft to 406. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 3 Dec. 2024

In terms of power conversion, the motor makes just a tick over five horsepower. —William Roberson, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

Many automakers are using two electric motors instead of one to increase horsepower and deliver it to all four wheels, and the zippy Countryman does so very effectively. —Peter Douglas, The Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2024

And Nvidia—whose chips provide the AI horsepower for many of these giant projects—likewise earned a spot. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing horsepower

• shaft horsepower

Kids Definition

horsepower

noun

horse·​pow·​er ˈhȯr-ˌspau̇(-ə)r 

: 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