Payload Meaning and Definition
Payload
Pronunciation
/ˈpeɪlɔʊd/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A payload is the contents of a transmission or message, such as a data packet, email, or instruction, that is being sent or conveyed.
Examples
- The payload of the email was a confidential report.
- The payload of the rocket was a satellite designed to study climate change.
Synonyms
- Contents
- Message
- Data
Antonyms
- Header
- Footer
Etymology
The word “payload” comes from the Old French “paye” meaning “pay” or “wages”, and was originally used to describe the payment or cargo of a messenger or carrier.
Usage Notes
The term “payload” is often used in technical contexts, such as computing, engineering, and space exploration, but it can also be used more broadly to refer to any contents or message being conveyed.
Cultural References
The term “payload” has been featured in popular culture, such as in the sci-fi TV show “Star Trek” and in the movie “Apollo 13”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Payload switching: a technique used to route traffic through a network.
- Payload encryption: the process of encrypting the contents of a transmission.
Related Words or Phrases
- Header
- Footer
- Data packet
- Messa
Collocations
- Payload configuration
- Payload management
- Payload security
Frequency of Use
The word “payload” is commonly used in technical and scientific contexts, but it is not typically used in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
The most common misspellings of “payload” include “pay load” and “paylad”.