loading

American  

[loh-ding] / ˈloʊ dɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that loads.

2. that with which something is loaded, burden, or charge.

3. Electricity. the process of adding reactance to a telephone circuit, radio antenna, etc.

4. Aeronautics. the ratio of the gross weight of an airplane to engine power power loading, wing span span loading, or wing area wing loading.

5. Insurance. an addition to the net premium, to cover expenses and allow a margin for contingencies and profit.

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loading British  

/ ˈləʊdɪŋ /

noun

1. a load or burden; weight

2. the addition of an inductance to electrical equipment, such as a transmission line or aerial, to improve its performance See loading coil

3. an addition to an insurance premium to cover expenses, provide a safer profit margin, etc

4. the ratio of the gross weight of an aircraft to its engine power ( power loading ), wing area ( wing loading ), or some other parameter, or of the gross weight of a helicopter to its rotor disc area ( disc loading )

5. psychol the correlation of a factor, such as a personality trait, with a performance score derived from a psychological test

6. material, such as china clay or size, added to paper, textiles, or similar materials to produce a smooth surface, increase weight, etc

7. a payment made in addition to a basic wage or salary to reward special skills, compensate for unfavourable conditions, etc

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Etymology

Origin of loading

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at load, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

At the same time, the European Commission will outline measures available to member states to optimise jet fuel use, including aircraft loading and the allocation of airport slots.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

The concept of loading up on protein isn’t new per se — it first took off in the late twentieth century when diet and fitness cultures had both gone mainstream.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

The southern island province became a duty-free magnet, packed with luxury storefronts, giant malls and travelers loading up on cosmetics, handbags and liquor instead of flying to Seoul, Tokyo or Paris.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Reporters spotted him outside loading his belongings into the back of a Mustang convertible with vanity plates “ART WAR.”

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

Charlie yells, and the lady loading her clothes into a dryer near us looks over with a frown.

From "Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero" by Kelly J. Baptist

Related Words

• packing
• storing