# BHP

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bhp
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

Stands for Brake Horse Power. A unit used to measure how much power a car or engine can produce.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Brake Horse Power. A unit of measurement for the power output of an engine, calculated by measuring the torque at the crankshaft and the rotational speed.

## Examples

- The car has a powerful engine with 300 BHP.
- When comparing different sports cars, the BHP rating is a key factor in determining their top speed and acceleration.
- While the engine's theoretical power is higher, the actual BHP accounts for the energy lost through the drivetrain and friction, providing a more accurate measure of the vehicle's performance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.