rating

noun

rat·​ing ˈrā-tiŋ How to pronounce rating (audio)
Synonyms of ratingnext
1
: a classification according to grade
specifically : a military or naval specialist classification
2
chiefly British : an enlisted sailor
3
a
: relative estimate or evaluation : standing
the school has a good academic rating
b
: an estimate of an individual's or business's credit and responsibility
c
: an estimate of the percentage of the public listening to or viewing a particular radio or television program
4
: a stated operating limit of a machine expressible in power units (such as kilowatts of a direct-current generator) or in characteristics (such as voltage)

Examples of rating in a Sentence

The school has an above-average academic rating. The article compares the fuel-economy ratings of various cars.
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.
According to the Assembly report, doctors chosen by applicants give an average of 6% to 8% higher disability ratings than through the standard workers’ compensation selection process, which uses physicians considered more neutral. Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026 The nonprofit, which provides media and technology ratings for families, polled 1,017 boys in July. Stephanie Dhue,sharon Epperson, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026 Lemon also weighed into CBS News losing ratings traction in the wake of Bari Weiss’ editorial takeover of the division. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026 To create the list, the team weighed the total volume and ratings of reviews, and included a range of options featuring regional specialities rooted in a variety of culinary traditions. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rating

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rating was in 1702

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Cite this Entry

“Rating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rating. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

rating

noun
rat·​ing
ˈrāt-iŋ
: a position within a grading system
credit rating

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