Ration/ˈræʃn/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Context of Scarcity Ration as a noun implies there is a limited supply of the item in question. The stranded hikers had a small ration of food to last the week. Pro Tip 2/3Quantity Known The word 'ration' suggests a precise or controlled quantity provided to each person. Students received their daily ration of milk during lunch. Pro Tip 3/3Fair Distribution Rations are typically distributed evenly to ensure fairness during shortages. During the outage, each household was allocated a ration of candles.