hot rod

noun

: an automobile rebuilt or modified for high speed and fast acceleration

Examples of hot rod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The result is a kind of rudimentary, cyborg turtle hot rod. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2026 Electric acceleration just can’t be beat, much as that disheartens my ancient sports car and hot rod friends. — Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2026 Inspired by the blockbuster film franchise, the thrill ride seats guests in flashy hot rods that mimic real drifting motions at up to 72 mph. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 The Jeep Chief from 2015 comes to mind for me, and the Quicksand hot rod from 2017, too. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot rod

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hot rod was in 1943

Rhymes for hot rod

See All Rhymes for hot rod

Browse Nearby Words

hot rock
hot rod
hot-rodder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hot rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20rod. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hot rod

noun
: an automobile rebuilt or changed for high speed and fast acceleration

More from Merriam-Webster on hot rod

Nglish: Translation of hot rod for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hot rod

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