noun
Uncommon
torque
tawk
Torque (noun) means a twisting or rotational force that makes something turn around an axis. Example: “The engine produces enough torque to tow a trailer.”
noun
1
A twisting or rotational force that makes something turn around an axis.
"The engine produces enough torque to tow a trailer."
"Use a wrench to apply the right amount of torque to the bolt."
"A powerful motor with plenty of torque can climb steep hills easily."
verb
1
To apply a twisting force that makes something rotate.
"Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specification."
"You should torque the wheel bolts evenly so the wheel does not wobble."
"The mechanic had to torque the screw carefully so it would not snap."
How to use torque
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe turning force behind rotation — the harder something twists, the more torque it has.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
high torque
torque wrench
apply torque
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Word forms
- Plural
- torques
- Third person singular
- torques
- Past tense
- torqued
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The engine produces enough _____ to tow a trailer.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin torquere, "to twist."
Synonyms
View more →
twisting force
rotational force
torsion
Related words
Rhymes for torque
See all rhymes for torque →Frequently asked questions
What does “torque” mean?
The word “torque” means a twisting or rotational force that makes something turn around an axis. In plain terms, the turning force behind rotation — the harder something twists, the more torque it has.
How do you pronounce “torque”?
“Torque” is pronounced tawk (/tɔɹk/ in IPA).
How do you use “torque” in a sentence?
Here is “torque” used in a sentence: “The engine produces enough torque to tow a trailer.”
What part of speech is “torque”?
Depending on how it is used, “torque” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “torque” come from?
The word “torque” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin torquere, "to twist.".
Is “torque” a common word?
“Torque” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “torque” have?
“Torque” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a twisting or rotational force that makes something turn around an axis.
What is the difference between torque and force?
Force is a push or pull that can move an object in a straight line, while torque specifically describes a twisting or rotational force that causes something to turn around an axis, such as a wrench turning a bolt.
How is torque used as a verb?
As a verb, to torque something means to apply a twisting force to make it rotate, as in 'torque the bolt to the specified setting.'
In what contexts is torque commonly used?
Torque is commonly used in mechanics and engineering, especially regarding engines, bolts, and tools, where it describes the rotational force needed to turn or tighten a component.
