ration

¹ra·tion

noun \ˈra-shən, ˈrā-\

Definition of RATION

1

a : a food allowance for one day

b plural : food, provisions

2

: a share especially as determined by supply

Examples of RATION

1. The soldiers were given their rations for the day.
2. The horse was fed its ration of oats.
3. weekly sugar and butter rations

Origin of RATION

French, from Latin ration-, ratio computation, reason

First Known Use: circa 1711

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Rhymes with RATION

ashen, fashion, passion

²ration

transitive verb

ra·tionedra·tion·ing \ˈra-sh(ə-)niŋ, ˈrā-\

Definition of RATION

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

Examples of RATION

1. During the war, the government rationed gasoline.
2. <the region has had to ration water during times of drought>

First Known Use of RATION

1859

Related to RATION

Synonyms

allocate, allow, apportion, assign, distribute, lot, allot

Related Words

admeasure, administer, deal, dispense, divide, dole out, hand out, measure, mete (out), meter, parcel (out), part, portion, prorate, share (out), split; accord, award, give, grant; earmark, reserve; chip in, contribute, donate; reallocate, reapportion, reassign, redistribute

Near Antonyms

begrudge, deny, deprive (of); keep, retain, stint, withhold; appropriate, arrogate, confiscate

Rhymes with RATION

Asian, Haitian, nation, Nation, station, Thracian