noun Uncommon

horsepower

HAWS-pow-uh

Horsepower (noun) means a unit for measuring the power of an engine, roughly equal to 746 watts. Example: “The new sports car boasts over 500 horsepower.”

noun

A unit for measuring the power of an engine, roughly equal to 746 watts.

"The new sports car boasts over 500 horsepower."

"They upgraded the engine for an extra 50 horsepower."

Overall strength or performance capability, used more loosely.

"The new laptop has plenty of horsepower for video editing."

How to use horsepower

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA measure of an engine's power, or more generally, how much strength or capability something has.

Common pairings

500 horsepower engine horsepower raw horsepower

Word forms

horsepowers plural, horsepower plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The new sports car boasts over 500 _____.

Etymology

Coined from horse plus power — engineer James Watt originally defined it by comparing steam engines to the pulling power of a real horse.

Rhymes for horsepower

tower power lower bower mower cower Gower flower blower shower slower grower

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Frequently asked questions

What does “horsepower” mean?

The word “horsepower” means a unit for measuring the power of an engine, roughly equal to 746 watts. In plain terms, a measure of an engine's power, or more generally, how much strength or capability something has.

How do you pronounce “horsepower”?

“Horsepower” is pronounced HAWS-pow-uh (/ˈhɔɹsˌpaʊɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “horsepower” in a sentence?

Here is “horsepower” used in a sentence: “The new sports car boasts over 500 horsepower.”

What part of speech is “horsepower”?

“Horsepower” is a noun.

Is “horsepower” a common word?

“Horsepower” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “horsepower” have?

“Horsepower” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a unit for measuring the power of an engine, roughly equal to 746 watts.