fraction

noun

frac·​tion ˈfrak-shən How to pronounce fraction (audio)
Synonyms of fractionnext
1
a
: a numerical representation (such as ¾, ⅝, or 3.234) indicating the quotient of two numbers
b(1)
: a piece broken off : fragment
(2)
: a discrete unit : portion
2
: one of several portions (as of a distillate) separable by fractionation
3
: bit, little
a fraction closer

Synonyms of fraction

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Examples of fraction in a Sentence

a fraction of an inch if even a tiny fraction of that cookie broke off and fell into the delicate watch works, it could mess things up
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.
If even a fraction of new diners come back at full price later, the promotion pays for itself. — Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 If the turbine components are off by even a fraction of a millimeter, intense rotational speeds can cause severe vibrations and break the helium seals. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026 But terrestrial eruptions make up only a fraction of Earth’s volcanic activity. — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 31 July 2026 If the toy is a part of a limited series, a second, larger fraction closer to the bubble will tell you what number your car is in its group. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fraction

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fraccioun "act or result of breaking, mathematical fraction," borrowed from Medieval Latin frāctiōn-, frāctiō "breaking, division into parts, mathematical fraction," going back to Late Latin, "breaking, weariness, illness," from Latin frag-, variant stem of frangere "to break, shatter" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at break entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fraction was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing fraction

Rhymes for fraction

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Browse Nearby Words

fracted
fraction
fractional
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Cite this Entry

“Fraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fraction. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fraction

noun
frac·​tion ˈfrak-shən How to pronounce fraction (audio)
1
: a number (as ½, ¾, or 3.323) that represents a number of equal parts of a whole or the division of one number by another
2
: a part of a whole

Medical Definition

fraction

noun
frac·​tion ˈfrak-shən How to pronounce fraction (audio)
: one of several portions (as of a distillate) separable by fractionation
gamma globulin is a fraction of blood plasma

More from Merriam-Webster on fraction

Nglish: Translation of fraction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fraction

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