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.
And lastly, horsepower is up a very healthy 45 ponies, from 490 hp to 535. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026 To that end, Poles is convinced Johnson’s presence will be the ultimate X-factor, giving the Bears a 750-horsepower engine for the NFL speedway. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Bonnell That is arguably more significant than the headline horsepower number. — New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026 Tesla said the Cybercab will be all-wheel drive and have 219 horsepower. — Keith Laing, USA Today, 2 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about horsepower

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