payload

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "payload" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to technology, particularly in computing, aerospace, and military, to refer to the part of a vehicle's load that is intended to be delivered or the data carried by a network packet. Example: "The satellite's payload includes advanced imaging equipment designed for Earth observation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And when it delivers its payload, it needs to be weighted down with ballast to stop it shooting up into the air.The solution to these problems may lie in hybrid airships that are aerodynamically shaped to generate part of their lift as a conventional wing does.

The Economist

It uses a jet engine to carry up to 2.7 tonnes of bombs, sensors and other types of payload at more than 740kph (460mph).On the ground, robots range from truck-sized to tiny.

The Economist

The payload, a capsule known as Dragon, is then carried into orbit by a single-Merlin-engined second stage that burns for a further six minutes.

The Economist

Interorbital Systems, a Californian company, recently carried out a successful suborbital test flight of a small rocket (pictured right) designed to carry a 145kg payload.

The Economist

Back in 2010, Google admitted it had collected some 600 gigabytes of "payload data" from unsecured wireless networks in more than 30 countries.

The Economist

The IAEA's February 19th report on Iran stated that it "remains concerned about the possible existence…of undisclosed nuclear-related activities…including activities related to the development of a nuclear payload for a missile".Iran says that it will sign up to stringent new inspections only when all the main elements of the deal are in place.

The Economist

But the A400M is one of the most technically difficult aircraft projects ever undertaken.Somewhere between a C-130 and C-17 in size and payload, the A400M is designed to have the smaller plane's ability to fly very slowly and land on unprepared airstrips close to the battlefield, yet come close to the speed of the jet-engined C-17 and exceed its range.

The Economist

Small, pilotless aircraft most of them helicopters with four or more sets of rotors and a payload slung between them are moving out of the laboratory and into practical use.

The Economist

And if the worm had a truly malicious payload that, say, deleted files pell-mell, the damage would dwarf that caused by recent viruses.Legal affairsWho, though, bears responsibility for such outbreaks?

The Economist

A bootlegged clip from the latest vampire movie ("New Moon") downloaded by his tweenage daughter had a particularly virulent payload buried in its code.

The Economist

But the downside remains: the B variant has half the range and a third of the payload of the F-35C.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about technology or transportation, use "payload" to specifically refer to the intended cargo or data being carried by a vehicle, system, or network.

Common error

Avoid using "payload" interchangeably with general terms like "load" or "cargo" in contexts where the specific intent or purpose of the carried item is not relevant. "Payload" carries a connotation of a designed purpose.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "payload" is as a noun, referring to the load carried by a vehicle or system. It commonly appears in technical and logistical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the word's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "payload" functions as a noun that signifies the cargo being transported, typically in technical or logistical scenarios. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and frequent usage, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While the word is grammatically straightforward, its precision makes it suitable for conveying specialized information. When using "payload", ensure the context aligns with its intended meaning of a purposed load, differentiating it from broader terms like "cargo" or "load".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cargo

Refers to the goods or items carried, often in a commercial transportation context.

load

A general term for what is being carried, emphasizing weight or quantity.

freight

Goods transported in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft.

burden

Implies something carried that is heavy or difficult to bear, often metaphorical.

shipment

Specifically refers to items sent as a package.

consignment

Goods destined for or delivered to someone.

contents

Describes what is contained within something.

ammunition

Relates specifically to military supplies being transported.

ordnance

Similar to ammunition but encompasses a wider range of military weaponry.

deliverables

Focuses on the outcome or product being transported.

FAQs

What does "payload" mean in the context of spaceflight?

In spaceflight, "payload" refers to the cargo carried by a rocket or spacecraft, which can include satellites, scientific instruments, or even passengers.

How is "payload" used in the context of computer networks?

In computer networks, "payload" refers to the actual data being transmitted, as opposed to the headers and other control information.

What's the difference between "payload" and "cargo"?

"Payload" often implies a specific purpose or function for the carried load, particularly in technical contexts, whereas "cargo" is a more general term for goods being transported.

Can "payload" refer to something other than physical items?

Yes, in contexts like computer science and cybersecurity, "payload" can refer to malicious code or data designed to cause harm to a system.