plural rates
1
: the speed at which something happens over a particular period of time
The cold weather meant a slower growing rate for many crops.
At the rate we're moving, it will be morning before we arrive.
People work at different rates.
Gun violence is increasing at an alarming rate.
Snow was falling at a rate of three inches per hour.
There has been a fall in the rate of inflation.
2
: the number of times something happens or is done during a particular period of time
There is a high success rate for this surgery. [=this surgery is often/usually successful]
Economists are concerned about the city's rising unemployment rate. [=the increasing number of people who are unemployed]
Crime rates have declined in recent years.
The nurse will check your heart/pulse rate. [=the number of times your heart beats in a minute]
3
: an amount that is paid : a price or amount to be paid that is set according to a scale or standard
The hotel's rates start at $65/night. [=the least expensive rooms at the hotel cost $65 for one night's stay and other rooms cost more than $65]
What's the interest rate on the loan?
tax rates
Regular admission to the theater is $12, the student rate is $8, and the rate for senior citizens is $6.
rates; rated; rating
1
a
: to make a judgment about the quality, ability, or value of (someone or something)
On a scale of 1 to 5, I'd rate the book at/a 4.
Judges rated each song according to a number of criteria.
—often used as (be) ratedThe school is rated above average.
the highest rated [=ranking] radio show
b
: to be judged as having a particular level of quality, ability, or value
The car rates as one of the best on the market. [=the car is one of the best on the market]
The movie rates among the worst ever.
The shoes rate high as far as comfort goes, but they're not very stylish.
2
: to consider something or someone to be (something)
The boat is just large enough to be rated a ship.
Based on recent polls, the policy should be rated a failure.
3
: to officially state that a movie, video game, etc., is appropriate for a specific audience
—usually used as (be) rated
The movie is rated G for general audiences.
4
: to state the normal power or limit of (a machine, engine, etc.)
—usually used as (be) rated
The submarine is rated to withstand tons of pressure.
—usually + atThe engine is rated at 500 horsepower.
an outlet rated at 15 amps
5
: to deserve (something) because of being important, good, etc.
The new museum rates a visit. [=the new museum is worth visiting]
I don't understand why the ceremony didn't even rate [=merit] a mention in the newspaper. [=I don't understand why the ceremony wasn't mentioned in the newspaper]
6
US, informal
: to be liked by someone and get special treatment or privileges
—usually + with
He really rates with the boss. [=the boss really likes him]
7
British, informal
: to think of (someone or something) as being good or of a high quality : like
I don't rate their chances (of winning).
They didn't rate him as a player.
Cite this Entry
“Rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/rate. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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