1
: a force that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion
an automobile engine delivers torque to the drive shaft
also
: a measure of the effectiveness of such a force that consists of the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the axis of rotation
2
: a turning or twisting force
torqued; torquing
: to impart torque to : cause to twist (as about an axis)
torquer
noun
variants
or torc
: a usually metal collar or neck chain worn by the ancient Gauls, Germans, and Britons
Examples of torque in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 July 2024
In efficiency mode, the Q6 e-tron will almost only ever use the rear motor, and even in this mode there was more than enough immediate torque to ensure this electric Audi can keep pace.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 1 July 2024
Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2024
But the Mercedes one-ups the Rivian by integrating a low-range gear reduction—a staple for any hardcore 4x4—that multiplies torque for rock crawling, dune bashing or other lower-speed situations.
—IEEE Spectrum, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for torque 
Noun
The new mill, which has previously featured in a number of Range Rover models, makes the Octa the most powerful Defender yet, easily beating out the previous title holder, the Carpathian Edition, 108 hp and 92 ft lbs of torque.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 July 2024
In efficiency mode, the Q6 e-tron will almost only ever use the rear motor, and even in this mode there was more than enough immediate torque to ensure this electric Audi can keep pace.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 1 July 2024
Verb
Likewise, being too heavy-handed or trying to torque the screw too quickly can have the same effect.
—Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2024
But the Mercedes one-ups the Rivian by integrating a low-range gear reduction—a staple for any hardcore 4x4—that multiplies torque for rock crawling, dune bashing or other lower-speed situations.
—IEEE Spectrum, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for torque
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'torque.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near torque
Cite this Entry
“Torque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torque. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
torque
1 of 2 noun
: a force that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion
also
: a measure of the effectiveness of such a force that consists of the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the axis of rotation
torque
2 of 2 transitive verb
torqued; torquing
: to impart torque to : cause to twist (as a tooth about its long axis)
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