capitation

noun

cap·​i·​ta·​tion ˌka-pə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: a direct uniform tax imposed on each head or person : poll tax

2

: a uniform per capita payment or fee

3

: a capitated health care system

Examples of capitation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Under capitation — a single payment to a group of doctors to provide the totality of medical care for a population of patients — the incentives align. — Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

That is where capitation re-enters the conversation. — Robert Pearl, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Late Latin capitātiōn-, capitātiō, from Latin capit-, caput "head" + -ātiōn-, -ātiō -ation — more at head entry 1

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for capitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Medical Definition

capitation

noun

cap·​i·​ta·​tion ˌkap-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: a fixed per capita payment made periodically to a medical service provider (as a physician) by a managed care group (as an HMO) in return for medical care provided to enrolled individuals

2

: a capitated health care system

Legal Definition

capitation

noun

cap·​i·​ta·​tion ˌka-pə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: a direct uniform tax imposed on each head or person : poll tax

no capitation, or other direct, tax shall be laid

—U.S. Constitution art. I

2

: a uniform per person payment or fee

Etymology

Late Latin capitatio, from Latin caput head