burn rate

noun

: the rate at which someone or something (such as a corporation) uses up available funds
We had incorporation documents, employment contracts, nondisclosure agreements, and a stock-option plan. Since only one guy was drawing a salary, I thought I could manage our burn rate for a while, but I was feeling a growing sense of urgency.Charles H. Ferguson, Fast Company, October 1999
The company has $89 million in cash and short-term investments as of January, giving it many years of a cushion even at its annual cash burn rate.Matt Krantz, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of burn rate was in 1984

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near burn rate

Cite this Entry

“Burn rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burn%20rate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!