ration

verb

rationed; rationing ˈra-sh(ə-)niŋ 

ˈrā-

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

Synonyms of ration

• allot
• allocate
• assign
• distribute

Examples of ration in a Sentence

During the war, the government rationed gasoline.

the region has had to ration water during times of drought

Recent Examples on the Web

Authorities in Crimea began to ration fuel as shipments from Russia ran dry. —Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026

In contrast, other nations, such as India, are now rationing the use of gas. —Hugh Leask, CNBC, 3 June 2026

China insulated itself from the oil shortfalls and rationing of neighboring countries in large part because of its mammoth crude stockpiles – prescient fuel warehousing that the government built up well before the war broke out. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 June 2026

Food had to be rationed in Tbilisi. —Lori Rackl, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ration

• C ration
• iron ration
• K ration

Rhymes for ration

• ashen
• fashion
• passion
• compassion
• internation

Kids Definition

ration

1 of 2 noun

ra·​tion ˈrash-ən  ˈrā-shən 

1

a

: a food allowance for one day

b

plural : provision entry 1 sense 2

2

: the amount one is allowed by authority

ration

2 of 2 verb

rationed; rationing ˈrash-(ə-)niŋ 

ˈrāsh-

1

: to control the amount one can use

during the war the government rationed gasoline

2

: to use sparingly

ration your water on the hike

Medical Definition

ration

1 of 2 noun

ra·​tion ˈrash-ən  ˈrā-shən 

: a food allowance for one day

ration

2 of 2 transitive verb

rationed; rationing ˈrash-(ə-)niŋ  ˈrāsh- 

: to supply with or put on rations