SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

the ratings

plural noun

Definition of the ratings

: numbers that show how many people watch or listen to a particular television or radio program

a show that's down in the ratings.

Word by Word Definitions

rating play ratings

: a classification according to grade
: a naval enlisted man
: relative estimate or evaluation : standing

See the full definition of rating

Seen and Heard

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show

WORD OF THE DAY

headlong

play

without deliberation, pause, or delay

Words at Play

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You're on the edge of your seat

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What the #@*% Is a ‘Grawlix'?

We can thank Beetle Bailey.

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'Altho' vs. 'Although'

Altho doesn't get much love.

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A Brief History of 'Potshot'

Duck, or you might be dinner

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

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Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

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Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

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More Confusing Words—Quiz

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True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

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Word Winder's CrossWinder

Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

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