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⇱ TORQUE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Dictionary Definition
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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

torque

2 of 3

verb

torqued; torquing

transitive verb

: to impart torque to : cause to twist (as about an axis)
torquer noun

torque

3 of 3

noun (2)

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
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
Steering by rear-wheel and torque-vectoring is a last resort, but a functional one. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Sean Evans, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026 According to Aventon, its own Ultro X motor delivers 110 Nm of torque and a peak of 750 W in standard use. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Omar Kardoudi march 30, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
The movement is largely conventional (lots of traditional ballet tricks for the men), but there is also a distinctive twisting, a wind-up torquing through the spine and torso, which the dancers ingeniously unravel. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Jennifer Homans, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026 The sculptures, rather than resisting the opulent glamour of their original luxury retail settings, torqued it in a macabre direction. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Rachel Wetzler, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for torque

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Latin torquΔ“re to twist

Noun (2)

French, from Latin torques, from torquΔ“re to twist β€” more at torture entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1959, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1695, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of torque was in 1695

Phrases Containing torque

Rhymes for torque

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Cite this Entry

β€œTorque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torque. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

: 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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