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

Synonyms

• proportion
• rate

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

He’s produced a TD-to-interception ratio of 46-to-1 his last two seasons. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024

Additionally, the respective conversion prices or ratios, as applicable, of the preferred stock of the Company will be adjusted in accordance with the respective terms of the Certificate of Designation for each class of preferred stock. —Charlotte Observer, 19 Apr. 2024

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

• aspect ratio
• case fatality ratio
• common ratio
• focal ratio
• golden ratio
• gyromagnetic ratio
• loss ratio
• nutritive ratio
• Poisson's ratio
• price-earnings ratio
• ultima ratio

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