baseload

noun

base·​load ˈbās-ˌlōd How to pronounce baseload (audio)
: the amount of power made available by an energy producer (such as a power plant) to meet fundamental demands by consumers
—often used before another noun
baseload power
Wind and solar have the drag of unreliability. Unless attached to costly batteries they are useless for meeting baseload demand.—Jonathan Fahey

Examples of baseload in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Placing the reactors next to existing hydropower stations on the Dalälven river creates a generation hub where baseload nuclear power pairs with adjustable hydroelectric output. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 Today, Ormat hopes to grow exponentially with the AI data center boom, aiming to build baseload, clean power plants throughout the Western United States, utilizing both new technologies and old. — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 Backers say carbon-free nuclear energy can provide reliable baseload power without contributing to climate change. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026 Vieques, a community of around 8,000, receives power from Puerto Rico’s grid via undersea cable from the main island and does not have its own source of baseload power generation. — IEEE Spectrum, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for baseload

Word History

Etymology

base entry 1 + load entry 1

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baseload was in 1907

Rhymes for baseload

See All Rhymes for baseload

Browse Nearby Words

Basellaceae
baseload
basely
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Baseload.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baseload. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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