payload
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.”
How to use payload
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe useful or important cargo a vehicle, rocket, or program carries.
Word forms
payloads plural
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.
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.