field ration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Military
Quick answer
What does “field ration” mean?
A pre-prepared, portable meal or set of food items issued to military personnel or others operating in environments where normal food preparation is impossible.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pre-prepared, portable meal or set of food items issued to military personnel or others operating in environments where normal food preparation is impossible.
Any compact, non-perishable, and easily transportable food supply designed for consumption during expeditions, survival situations, or outdoor activities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both variants use the term, but the US military context is more globally familiar. The British Army historically used terms like 'compo ration' (composite ration) or 'operational ration pack' (ORP). 'Field ration' is the common generic term in both.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. Culturally, it may evoke different national military experiences (e.g., US MREs, British ration packs).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the global cultural prominence of the US military and its 'MRE' (Meal, Ready-to-Eat), which is a type of field ration.
Grammar
How to Use “field ration” in a Sentence
N + of + field rations (a week's supply of field rations)V + field ration (to consume/issue a field ration)Adj + field ration (a nutritious field ration)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “field ration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The unit was field-rationed for a three-day exercise.
American English
- They had to field ration their supplies for the survival course.
adjective
British English
- He opened his field-ration chocolate bar.
American English
- The field ration menu was limited but calorie-dense.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in military history, logistics, nutrition science, and human factors engineering studies.
Everyday
Very rare; used only when discussing military service, extreme camping, or prepping.
Technical
Standard term in military doctrine, survival manuals, and humanitarian logistics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “field ration”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “field ration”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “field ration”
- Using 'field ratio' (a mathematical error). Confusing it with 'field kitchen' (a mobile kitchen). Using it to refer to school lunches or office catering.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) is a specific type of field ration used by the US military. 'Field ration' is the general category; an MRE is one example.
Yes, companies sell civilian versions of field rations, often marketed as emergency survival food or high-end camping meals.
Shelf life varies by type, but modern military field rations are designed to last 3-5 years (or more) when stored properly.
No, it is a specialised term. Most people will only encounter it in military, survival, or historical contexts.
A pre-prepared, portable meal or set of food items issued to military personnel or others operating in environments where normal food preparation is impossible.
Field ration is usually technical/military in register.
Field ration: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfiːld ˈræʃ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfild ˈræʃ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “living on field rations”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FIELD RATION: Think of a RATion of food you eat in the FIELD.
Conceptual Metaphor
FUEL FOR THE HUMAN MACHINE (emphasising efficiency and necessity over pleasure).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a 'field ration'?