A ration is a fixed, limited amount of something that each person is allowed to have, especially when supplies are scarce. During World War II, the American government rationed food like sugar, butter, and meat so everyone could get a fair share while farmers and factories focused on feeding soldiers overseas. Families received ration books with stamps, and they could only buy certain amounts each week, no matter how much money they had.

The word comes from situations where there isn't enough of something to go around freely. A ship's crew might be put on short rations if their voyage takes longer than expected and food runs low. Teachers sometimes ration art supplies at the end of the school year when the closet is nearly empty.

As a verb, to ration means to carefully limit and distribute something. A hiker might ration their water on a long trail, taking small sips to make their supply last. Parents might ration screen time, allowing only an hour of video games per day. When you ration something, you're being strategic about a limited resource, making sure it lasts as long as you need it to.

The word can also mean a portion or allowance, like a soldier's daily ration of food, which is their regular allotment whether supplies are scarce or not.