noun
Uncommon
payload
PAY-lohd
Payload (noun) means 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. Example: “The rocket's payload was a small communications satellite.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- payloads
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Class of 1900
payload joined the language around 1900.
See the full Class of 1900 →
Related words
Rhymes for payload
See all rhymes for payload →Frequently asked questions
What does “payload” mean?
The word “payload” means 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. In plain terms, the useful or important cargo a vehicle, rocket, or program carries.
How do you pronounce “payload”?
“Payload” is pronounced PAY-lohd (/ˈpeɪloʊd/ in IPA).
How do you use “payload” in a sentence?
Here is “payload” used in a sentence: “The rocket's payload was a small communications satellite.”
What part of speech is “payload”?
“Payload” is a noun.
Where does the word “payload” come from?
The word “payload” dates back to around 1900. From "pay" (as in "paying," i.e. revenue-generating) plus "load" — coined in the early twentieth century for the profitable part of a cargo.
Is “payload” a common word?
“Payload” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “payload” have?
“Payload” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: 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.
