Webhook
An HTTP callback sent by one system to notify another system that an event occurred.
Plain English
Instead of repeatedly asking for updates the receiving system gets a message when something happens.
In context
Reliable webhook integrations authenticate senders handle retries process events idempotently and tolerate duplicate or out-of-order delivery.
Example
“The billing provider sends a webhook after an invoice is paid.”
When you'll hear this
- system integration
- event notifications
- automation
Common misunderstanding
A webhook is not guaranteed real-time or exactly once and the receiver still needs failure handling.
Also known as
HTTP callbackevent callback
Commonly used by
Related terms
Updated: 2026-08-27
