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ratio
noun
ra·tio
ˈrā-shē-ˌō
-(ˌ)shō
plural ratios
1
a
: the indicated quotient of two mathematical expressions
b
: the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things : proportion
2
: the expression of the relative values of gold and silver as determined by a country's currency laws
Examples of ratio in a Sentence
What is the length-to-width ratio?
the ratio of students to teachers in the school is nine to one
Recent Examples on the Web
Honeywell did, however, realize a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1 times thanks to a 2% organic increase in orders.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2024
One thing to note: thanks to its light weight, the R has a better power-to-weight ratio than any current 911.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2024
The same mindset appears today in the national differences between company total return ratios: The sum of dividend payments and share buybacks as a percentage of net income averaged 83% for U.S. companies in 2022, but just 29% for Japanese companies.
—Michael Useem, Fortune Asia, 24 Oct. 2024
This model features attractive colors; a motor big enough to ensure an optimal 2:1 power-to-weight ratio, resulting in top speeds over 30 mph; quick responsiveness; high agility; and pinpoint control.
—Toby Rose, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ratio
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Word History
Etymology
Latin, computation, reason — more at reason entry 1
First Known Use
1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing ratio
Articles Related to ratio
Dictionary Entries Near ratio
Cite this Entry
“Ratio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratio. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
ratio
noun
ra·tio
ˈrā-shō
-shē-ˌō
plural ratios
1
: the quotient of two numbers or mathematical expressions
the ratio of 6 to 3 may be expressed as 6:3, ⁶⁄₃, and 2
2
: the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things
women outnumbered men in the ratio of three to one
Medical Definition
ratio
noun
ra·tio
ˈrā-(ˌ)shō, -shē-ˌō
plural ratios
: the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things see sex ratio
More from Merriam-Webster on ratio
Nglish: Translation of ratio for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of ratio for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ratio
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