IP

1 of 2

abbreviation or noun

ˈī-ˈpē 

plural IPs also IP's

: intellectual property

They are racing to protect their own nanotechnology intellectual property (IP) or to license or buy it from universities, companies, or other groups. Nanotech IP is particularly valuable right now because it is the foundation for a young and expansive field …

—Susan J. Ainsworth

… Hollywood's obsession with IP has created a scenario where the movies are more expensive while the bar for success is lower.

—Scott Mendelson

Should Microsoft beat out other prospective buyers, it could mean that future games from IPs such as LEGO, Harry Potter, Just Cause, Batman, Mortal Kombat and more could become Xbox exclusives …

—Stephen Lambrechts

IP

2 of 2

abbreviation

1

initial point

2

sports innings pitched

3

intermediate pressure

4

Internet protocol (see protocol sense 3b)

Every computer, modem, server and smartphone that connects to the Internet has a unique Internet protocol (IP) address, which enables users to find it. The address format, known as IPv4, was standardized in 1977 as a 32-digit binary number, making a then seemingly unlimited 4.3 billion addresses … available.

—Mark Fischetti

see also ip address

Examples of IP in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Abbreviation or noun

For example, a detailed study of China’s Digital Silk Road investment in Africa found that although eight African DSR members supported China’s New IP proposal for increasing state control over the Internet, more African DSR members did not write in support of it. —Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024

My Personal Information | Ad Choices FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. —Alexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 23 Apr. 2024

The repressive nation only has 1,024 IP addresses and around 30 websites that connect to the global internet. —Matt Burgess, WIRED, 22 Apr. 2024

Every new host coming onto the network required a new IP address. —IEEE Spectrum, 20 Apr. 2024

Each visit is anonymous, but users can elect to share their questions with WHO in a survey to improve the experience, though Guerra said any data collected is randomized and not tied to an IP address or person to protect users. —Jessica Nix, Fortune Europe, 19 Apr. 2024

This marked the series’ shift to the first-person shooter/exploration format most people would associate with the franchise today, and was the point at which Fallout went from being a cult favorite to massively popular video game IP. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 12 Apr. 2024

Coming after Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, pivoting the Turtles IP back to live-action feels like a risky bet on Paramount’s part that’s going to remind everyone how nightmarish the 1990 adaptation was. —Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2024

Skydance’s video game division has secured licenses for major IP franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. —Paolo Confino, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Abbreviation Or Noun

1979, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

IP

abbreviation

intraperitoneal; intraperitoneally

Legal Definition

IP

abbreviation

intellectual property