# powerhouse

/ˈpaʊɝˌhaʊs/ (US) · /pˈaʊəhˌaʊs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/powerhouse
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. influential person or group

noun · CEFR B2

a person, team, or company that is very successful and has a lot of power or influence.

For teachers: a person or organization possessing great energy, strength, or influence within a particular field.

- The small tech startup quickly grew into a global powerhouse in the industry.
- By investing heavily in research and development, the nation established itself as an economic powerhouse within the region.

### 2. source of energy

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a building where electricity is produced, or the part of a machine that provides the power.

For teachers: a building where electrical power is generated; literally, a power station.

- The old powerhouse by the river was converted into a modern art gallery.
- Engineers inspected the powerhouse to ensure the turbines were capable of meeting the city's increased energy demands during the winter.

### 3. strong hand of cards

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · Slang

a very strong set of cards in a game that is likely to win.

For teachers: a hand of cards possessing high point value or strategic strength, making a win highly probable.

- He looked at his cards and realized he was holding a real powerhouse.
- Despite holding a powerhouse of a hand, the player remained stoic to avoid alerting his opponents to his advantage.

## Examples

- The small company became a global powerhouse in just five years.
- The university's research department is a powerhouse that produces dozens of groundbreaking studies every semester.
- While the nation was once a manufacturing powerhouse, its economy has shifted toward high-tech services and international finance over the last three decades.

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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.