First Known Use: circa 1711
Dictionary
1ration
noun ra·tion \ˈra-shən, ˈrā-\
: a particular amount of food that is given to one person or animal for one day
rations : food or supplies
: a particular amount of something (such as gasoline or food) that the government allows you to have when there is not enough of it
Full Definition of RATION
1
a : a food allowance for one day b plural : food, provisions
2
: a share especially as determined by supply
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Origin of RATION
French, from Latin ration-, ratio computation, reason
2ration
verb
: to control the amount of (something, such as gasoline or food) that people are allowed to have especially when there is not enough of it
ra·tionedra·tion·ing \ˈra-sh(ə-)niŋ, ˈrā-\
Full Definition of RATION
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
See ration defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RATION
1859
RATIONS Defined for Kids
1ration
noun ra·tion \ˈra-shən, ˈrā-shən\
Definition of RATION for Kids
1
: a food allowance for one day
2
rations plural : 1provision 1
3
: the amount each person is allowed by an authority <The government set a gas ration.>
2ration
verb
ra·tionedra·tion·ing
Definition of RATION for Kids
1
: to control the amount an individual can use <The government rationed gas.>
2
: to use sparingly <Ration your water on the hike.>
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