ration

1 of 2

noun

ra·​tion ˈra-shən How to pronounce ration (audio) ˈrā- How to pronounce ration (audio)
Synonyms of ration
1
a
: a food allowance for one day
b
rations plural : food, provisions
2
: a share especially as determined by supply

ration

2 of 2

verb

rationed; rationing ˈra-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce ration (audio)
ˈrā-

transitive verb

1
: to supply with or put on rations
2
a
: to distribute as rations
—often used with out
b
: to distribute equitably
c
: to use sparingly

Synonyms of ration

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Verb

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Examples of ration in a Sentence

Noun The soldiers were given their rations for the day. The horse was fed its ration of oats. weekly sugar and butter rations Verb During the war, the government rationed gasoline. the region has had to ration water during times of drought
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.
Noun
That's now down to 350,000, and those families are only receiving half rations, said Konyndyk from Refugees International. — Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 The butchering thing was a major complaint because the Commandos were expected to live off the land after their first day's rations ran out. — David Szondy august 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
The threat of shortages pushed countries across Asia to impose export bans, cut import duties, and start rationing fuel to maintain supplies. — Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 France devalued its currency in 1927, the United Kingdom abandoned the gold standard in 1931, and the same year Germany imposed import restrictions and rationed access to foreign currency. — Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ration

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Latin ration-, ratio computation, reason

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ration was circa 1711

Phrases Containing ration

Rhymes for ration

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Browse Nearby Words

ratiomotor
ration
rational
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

ration

1 of 2 noun
ra·​tion ˈrash-ən How to pronounce ration (audio) ˈrā-shən How to pronounce ration (audio)
1
a
: a food allowance for one day
b
plural : provision entry 1 sense 2
2
: the amount one is allowed by authority

ration

2 of 2 verb
rationed; rationing ˈrash-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce ration (audio)
ˈrāsh-
1
: to control the amount one can use
during the war the government rationed gasoline
2
: to use sparingly
ration your water on the hike

Medical Definition

ration

1 of 2 noun
ra·​tion ˈrash-ən How to pronounce ration (audio) ˈrā-shən How to pronounce ration (audio)
: a food allowance for one day

ration

2 of 2 transitive verb
rationed; rationing ˈrash-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce ration (audio) ˈrāsh- How to pronounce ration (audio)
: to supply with or put on rations
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