payload
UK: ˈpeɪləʊd | US: ˈpeɪloʊd
n. the carrying capacity of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel, typically measured in weight.
n. the part of a missile or aircraft that carries explosives, instruments, or other equipment.
n. (computing) the actual data or message being transmitted in a packet or signal, excluding headers or metadata.
payload = pay<load> + load<burden>
- pay (from Old French paier, meaning "to pay" or "satisfy a debt," later associated with "load" in nautical contexts).
- load (from Old English lād, meaning "way, journey, burden," evolving to mean "cargo" or "weight carried").
Etymology Origin:
The term payload originated in transportation (especially shipping and aviation) to describe the "load that pays"—i.e., the profitable cargo or equipment carried by a vehicle. Over time, it expanded to military (explosive loads) and computing (data transmitted). The logic reflects a focus on functional utility: what the carrier is for, not just what it is.
The rocket’s payload included a satellite for weather monitoring.
Trucks are designed to maximize payload while minimizing fuel consumption.
The hacker intercepted the packet but ignored the headers, focusing on the payload.
The bomber’s payload was carefully calculated for maximum impact.
Engineers tested the drone’s payload capacity before deployment.