Jump To:

• hp
  hp

  abbreviation

  horsepower.
• H.P.
  H.P.

  abbreviation

  high power.
• HP
  HP

  abbreviation

  hire-purchase

hp

¹ American  

abbreviation

1. horsepower.

---

H.P. ² American  

Or h.p.,

abbreviation

1. Electricity. high power.

2. high pressure.

3. horsepower.

---

HP British  

abbreviation

1. hire-purchase

2. horsepower

3. high pressure

4. (in Britain) Houses of Parliament

---

Compare meaning

How does hp compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• bhp vs. hp

Example Sentences

For those wanting more, a rear-biased, dual-motor all-wheel drive version adds another 125 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque and it only sacrifices 14 miles of estimated range.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

The RWD version—rated at 315 hp and 332 lb-ft—is agreeably nimble, well balanced, rock solid and hella responsive.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

The hybrid’s output is held to 219 hp and 163 lb-ft, pitted against a vehicle heavier by about 100 pounds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Against a curb weight of 4,620 pounds, the hybrid system’s 245 hp occasionally feels overmatched.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Zara’s watching Nate, who is bent over a 15 hp outboard motor that a customer dropped off for repair.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam