fractional

adjective

frac·​tion·​al ˈfrak-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce fractional (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being a fraction
2
: of, relating to, or being fractional currency
3
: relatively small : inconsiderable
4
: of, relating to, or involving a process for separating components of a mixture through differences in physical or chemical properties
fractional distillation
fractionally adverb

Examples of fractional in a Sentence

There has been a fractional rise in the price of the stock. There is only a fractional improvement in the new version.
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.
Both are popular with individual owners and businesses as well as fractional jet companies like NetJets and Flexjet. Michelle L. Price, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026 While some jet card and fractional programs include de-icing or sell de-icing insurance, brokers say the potential extra charges, which aren't known until after the flight, helped convince some clients to stay home. Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Consider starting small with fractional ownership or dollar-cost averaging to build your position gradually rather than trying to time the market perfectly. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026 The structure of these arrangements varies, however, and fractional stakes may differ in terms of voting rights, income participation, and legal protections. Maria Williams, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fractional

Word History

Etymology

fraction + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fractional was in 1650

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fractional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fractional. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

fractional

adjective
frac·​tion·​al ˈfrak-shnəl How to pronounce fractional (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
1
: of, relating to, or being a fraction
fractional equivalents of percentages
2
: fairly small
fractionally
adverb

Medical Definition

fractional

adjective
frac·​tion·​al -shən-ᵊl, -shnəl How to pronounce fractional (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving a process for separating components of a mixture through differences in physical or chemical properties
fractional distillation

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