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payload

noun pay·load \ ˈpā-ˌlōd \
|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Definition of payload

1 : the load carried by a vehicle exclusive of what is necessary for its operation; especially : the load carried by an aircraft or spacecraft consisting of things (such as passengers or instruments) necessary to the purpose of the flight
2 : the weight of a payload

See payload defined for English-language learners

See payload defined for kids

Examples of payload in a Sentence

  1. The truck is carrying a payload of 2,580 pounds.

  2. the space shuttle can carry a maximum payload of approximately 50,000 pounds

Recent Examples of payload from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'payload.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of payload

1914

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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payload Synonyms

Synonyms

burden, cargo, draft, freight, haul, lading, load, loading, weight;

Related Words

consignment;

boatload, carload, shipload, trainload, truckload, wagonload;

ballast, deadweight;

overload, surcharge;

bale, bundle, pack, package, packet, parcel, shipment;

manifest;

body, bulk, mass;

PAYLOAD Defined for English Language Learners

payload

noun

Definition of payload for English Language Learners

  • : the amount of goods or material that is carried by a vehicle (such as a truck)

  • : the things (such as passengers or bombs) that are carried by an aircraft or spacecraft

  • : the weight of a payload

Learn More about payload

  1. See words that rhyme with payload Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for payload Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about payload

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