noun
payload
PAY-lohd
noun
1
The part of a vehicle's cargo — such as passengers, freight, or a warhead — that it exists to carry, as opposed to fuel or equipment needed to move it.
"The rocket's payload was a small communications satellite."
2
(computing) The part of a virus or malicious program that carries out its harmful action, as opposed to the part that spreads it.
"The malware's payload encrypted every file on the drive."
How to Use Payload
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe useful or important cargo a vehicle, rocket, or program carries.
Common pairings
deliver a payload
payload capacity
Word Forms
payloads plural
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The rocket's _____ was a small communications satellite.
Etymology
From "pay" (as in "paying," i.e. revenue-generating) plus "load" — coined in the early twentieth century for the profitable part of a cargo.