torque: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical, formal; semi-technical in automotive journalism.
Quick answer
What does “torque” mean?
A twisting force that causes rotation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A twisting force that causes rotation.
In physics/engineering: a measure of rotational force. In automotive contexts: the rotational power of an engine. In fashion/archaeology: a rigid metal neck ring or bracelet.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning difference. Spelling is identical. Pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. The jewellery sense is equally archaic/specialist in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to greater prevalence of automotive culture in everyday discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “torque” in a Sentence
The engine produces [AMOUNT] of torque.Apply torque to [OBJECT].The torque is measured in [UNIT].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “torque” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mechanic torqued the lug nuts to the correct specification.
- You must torque the bolt down firmly.
American English
- He torqued the cylinder head bolts in sequence.
- Make sure you torque the fitting properly.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. 'Torquily' is non-existent.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- A torque wrench is essential for this job.
- The torque settings are listed in the manual.
American English
- The torque converter is faulty.
- Check the torque specs before assembly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries (e.g., automotive manufacturing reports).
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, and materials science papers.
Everyday
Limited; mostly among car enthusiasts discussing engine performance.
Technical
The primary domain. Used precisely in mechanical engineering, automotive design, and physics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “torque”
- Using 'torque' to mean linear speed or horsepower (e.g., 'The car has great torque' is correct for low-speed pulling power; 'The car has high torque at top speed' is often confused with horsepower).
- Pronouncing it as /tɔːrˈkjuː/ (like 'tor-cue').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Torque is a measure of rotational force (how hard the engine can twist), while horsepower is a measure of the rate at which work is done (torque x RPM). High torque is good for low-speed acceleration and towing.
Yes, in technical contexts, especially in US English. 'To torque a bolt' means to tighten it to a specific rotational force using a torque wrench.
It is a rigid, often twisted metal neck ring or bracelet, typically from the Iron Age Celtic or European cultures. It's a distinct word that happens to share spelling with the physics term.
In British English, it's /tɔːk/ (like 'talk'). In American English, it's /tɔːrk/ (like 'tork'). The common mispronunciation /tɔːrˈkjuː/ (tor-cue) is incorrect.
A twisting force that causes rotation.
Torque is usually technical, formal; semi-technical in automotive journalism. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Torque it up (colloquial, to increase power).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TORQUE wrench you use to TWIST a bolt. Both 'torque' and 'twist' start with 'T' and involve rotation.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS TWISTING (e.g., 'The engine twists the wheels powerfully').
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'torque' LEAST likely to be used correctly?