rating

noun

rat·​ing ˈrā-tiŋ 

1

: a classification according to grade

specifically : a military or naval specialist classification

2

chiefly British : a naval enlisted man

3

a

: relative estimate or evaluation : standing

the school has a good academic rating

b

: an estimate of an individual's or business's credit and responsibility

c

: an estimate of the percentage of the public listening to or viewing a particular radio or television program

4

: a stated operating limit of a machine expressible in power units (such as kilowatts of a direct-current generator) or in characteristics (such as voltage)

Examples of rating in a Sentence

The school has an above-average academic rating.

The article compares the fuel-economy ratings of various cars.

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps dimmer in ratings, but still a vital reminder that television is an art form worth celebrating. —Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Amazon Essentials Open-Front Cardigan Meet the fall layering essential that more than 17,000 Amazon shoppers have given a perfect rating. —Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025

The shorts are available in two lengths, feature stash pockets for small essentials, and have nearly 3,500 five-star ratings. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025

More than 500 Amazon shoppers gave this dress a five-star rating for its versatility, extra pockets, and value for price. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rating

• approval rating
• credit rating
• Q rating
• self-rating

Rhymes for rating

• baiting
• bating
• crating
• dating
• freighting
• gating
• grating
• hating
• mating
• plaiting
• plating
• prating

Kids Definition

rating

noun

rat·​ing

ˈrāt-iŋ

: a position within a grading system

credit rating