Definition
What is Webhook?
A webhook is a mechanism where one application sends real-time data to another application via an HTTP POST request when a specific event occurs. It is a push-based alternative to polling an API.
How it works
Instead of repeatedly checking an API for new data (polling), webhooks push data to a URL you specify as soon as an event happens. For example, Stripe can send a webhook to your server every time a payment succeeds. The receiving application then processes that data and takes action. Webhooks are fundamental to modern automation because they enable instant, event-driven workflows. Most automation platforms (Make, n8n, Zapier) can both send and receive webhooks, making them a universal glue between systems.
Related terms
Last updated: March 2026