ration

[ rash-uhn, rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. a fixed allowance of provisions or food, especially for soldiers or sailors or for civilians during a shortage:

   a daily ration of meat and bread.

   Synonyms: allotment, portion

2. an allotted amount:

   They finally saved up enough gas rations for the trip.

   Synonyms: allotment, portion

3. rations,
   1. provisions:

      Enough rations were brought along to feed all the marchers.

   2. Chiefly South Atlantic States. food or meals:

      The old hotel still has the best rations in town.

verb (used with object)

1. to supply, apportion, or distribute as rations (often followed by out ):

   to ration out food to an army.

   Synonyms: allot, dole, mete

2. to supply or provide with rations:

   to ration an army with food.

3. to restrict the consumption of (a commodity, food, etc.):

   to ration meat during war.

4. to restrict the consumption of (a consumer):

   The civilian population was rationed while the war lasted.

ration

/ ˈræʃən /

noun

1. 1. a fixed allowance of food, provisions, etc, esp a statutory one for civilians in time of scarcity or soldiers in time of war

      a tea ration

   2. ( as modifier )

      a ration book

2. a sufficient or adequate amount

   you've had your ration of television for today

verb

1. often foll by out to distribute (provisions), esp to an army
2. to restrict the distribution or consumption of (a commodity) by (people)

   sugar is short, so I'll have to ration you

   the government has rationed sugar

Other Words From

• un·rationed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ration¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from French, from Latin ratiōn- (stem of ratiō ); reason

Word History and Origins

Origin of ration¹

C18: via French from Latin ratiō calculation; see reason

Synonym Study

See food.

Example Sentences

“We are also facing critical shortages of basic medical supplies such as gauze, iodine, alcohol swabs, and chlorhexidine for wound care. These essentials are crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing, but we are forced to ration what little we have,” Dr. S. said.

From Salon

Once a week, Ms Richards heads to a crowded food bank, which she says are now mostly distributing self-heating military-style ration packs - which usually include a small main course, crackers or cheese, dessert and a powdered drink - to help feed her family.

From BBC

The shortage caused by the Baxter plant's temporary closure has forced hospitals to postpone surgeries as a desperate measure to ration supplies for patients in the most critical condition.

From Salon

He said that for some seniors, this is the only food they have for the day, and they ration out the meal to last through breakfast, lunch and dinner.

From Los Angeles Times

The clinic is running out of clean water, meaning they have to ration what they have in the small jerrycans underneath their beds.

From BBC

Related Words

• allowance
• consignment
• quota