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
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
As of early 2026, Walmart’s P/E ratio had climbed to approximately 45x, while Costco sits even higher at 54x.
—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026
The quicker ratio combined with the 10 degrees of rear steering inputs at slower speeds made small inputs deliver big motions real fast.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 2 Apr. 2026
This is because of the dependency ratio, which is how many young people in the workforce are supporting both people that are too young to work, and also people that are too old to work.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
This excursion offers a rewarding ratio of natural wonders per miles driven.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ratio
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Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026
The quicker ratio combined with the 10 degrees of rear steering inputs at slower speeds made small inputs deliver big motions real fast.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 2 Apr. 2026
This is because of the dependency ratio, which is how many young people in the workforce are supporting both people that are too young to work, and also people that are too old to work.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
This excursion offers a rewarding ratio of natural wonders per miles driven.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ratio
Cite this Entry
“Ratio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratio. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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