baseload

noun

base·​load ˈbās-ˌlōd How to pronounce baseload (audio)
: the amount of power made available by an energy producer (such as a power plant) to meet fundamental demands by consumers
often used before another noun
baseload power
Wind and solar have the drag of unreliability. Unless attached to costly batteries they are useless for meeting baseload demand.Jonathan Fahey

Examples of baseload 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.
Google has also invested in geothermal energy and small nuclear reactor projects, which can also provide baseload power with no carbon emissions. Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 30 June 2025 But, Trump, in his latest memo, argued that the Biden administration’s agreement would endanger a key source of baseload power, which can be deployed at any time. Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 13 June 2025 The challenge of uncertainty Luke Bolar, who leads external affairs for ClearPath, says that he is encouraged by the administration’s focus on next-generation nuclear and geothermal – potential baseload power sources that his organization has promoted for years. Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 11 June 2025 West Virginia Representative Carol Miller, a co-chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus, said the country needs the dependable baseload power that coal provides. Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for baseload

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baseload was in 1907

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Baseload.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baseload. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!