ratio

noun

ra·​tio ˈrā-shē-ˌō How to pronounce ratio (audio)
-(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 Having a travel wardrobe that offers the perfect ratio of style to comfort is always a bit of a balancing act to nail. David Moses, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2024 The Chinese economy, which until recently was thought of as unstoppable, is beginning to falter due to deflation, a growing debt-to-gross domestic product ratio and the impact of a real estate crisis. Dan Murphy, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024 This ratio, along with local vacancy rates, rent potential, and, interest rates drives what, where, and when private housing gets built. Roger Valdez, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The ratios are typical of Porsche (read: longer than is ideal) but the shifter is sublime and the clutch is manageable. Kyle Hyatt, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 Experts say that number would be much lower if states like Arizona set school counselor mandates and ratios. Nick Sullivan, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024 The proportions of different carbon isotopes is changed by the ratio of how much carbon dioxide is concentrated between leaf cells and their surrounding environment. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Feb. 2024 Mulching Ratio The mulching ratio, also called the reduction ratio or compression ratio, is an easy way to measure your mulcher’s power. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2024 An analyst on Wednesday's call said NYCB had a significantly higher ratio of commercial real estate lending on its books than its peers in the large bank category. Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word '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

Etymology

Latin, computation, reason — more at reason entry 1

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ratio was in 1660

Dictionary Entries Near ratio

Cite this Entry

“Ratio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratio. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ratio

noun
ra·​tio ˈrā-shō How to pronounce ratio (audio)
-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
plural ratios
: the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things see sex ratio

More from Merriam-Webster on ratio

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