hot rod

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

hot-rodder

2 of 2

noun (2)

hot-rod·​der ˈhät-ˌrä-dər How to pronounce hot-rodder (audio)
: a hot rod driver, builder, or enthusiast
hot-rod
ˈhät-ˈräd How to pronounce hot-rodder (audio)
verb

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.
Noun
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
Noun
Customers can then live out their early-1960s hot-rodder dream by installing the engine and gearbox themselves, or have a shop do the work instead. — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2024 Many of these hot-rodders liked the looks and styling of their hotrods but didn’t like getting beaten from the stoplight by a Camaro, Viper or Mustang. — David Krumboltz, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for hot rod

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1943, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1947, 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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