golden ratio

noun

mathematics
: a ratio of two numbers in which the ratio of the sum to the larger number is the same as the ratio of the larger number to the smaller : golden section

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In second was the 1964 Ford GT40 (61.64 percent aligned to the golden ratio), which was followed by the 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC Speciale (61.15 percent), the 1974 Lotus Elite (60.07 percent) and 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO (59.95 percent). Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2021 Nature mimics helixes and the golden ratio is influenced by the sun and gravity because everything grows towards the sun. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2023 Wherever those extra visitors were coming from, Wolff says that upping the price to 69 euro is the golden ratio -- affordable enough to persuade drivers out of their cars, but not so cheap that millions of randoms (like me) clog up trains with spur-of-the-minute trips. Julia Buckley, CNN, 26 Aug. 2022 My golden ratio for a purposeful vinaigrette is two parts oil to one part vinegar or citrus juice (a little zingier than the more traditional three-to-one). Emma Laperruque, Bon Appétit, 26 Feb. 2023 As the staircase ascended, the steps became smaller and smaller, the top of the staircase crushing up against the golden ratio. Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022 According to Reichman, the golden ratio has been an inspiration for the design team at Aston Martin to create cars based on both form and function. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2022 Automatic watches are offered in the 33mm diameter inspired by the golden ratio principles of design. Roberta Naas, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2021 So this special series of numbers is closely related to the golden ratio. Alan Lightman, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'golden ratio.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of golden ratio was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near golden ratio

Cite this Entry

“Golden ratio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/golden%20ratio. Accessed 1 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!