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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This increase in cost ratio is due to lower profit margins across all business segments. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024 However, some research indicates that people who use cannabis are more likely to initiate opioid use, with an odds ratio of 2.76 compared to non-cannabis users. Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024 Levine would be fired for season 2 and later producers would tweak that ratio — naturally preferring the Superman aspects — but also going to cartoonish lengths to prolong its eponymous romance. Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for ratio 

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 28 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!