i.e.

1 of 3

abbreviation (1)

that is
They're Hoosiers, i.e., they're from Indiana.
made of sodium chloride (i.e., salt)

Note: Do not confuse i.e. with e.g., which means "for example" ("various herbs, e.g., basil, thyme, and cilantro").

IE

2 of 3

abbreviation (2)

industrial engineer

-ie

3 of 3

noun suffix

variants or less commonly -y
1
: little one : dear little one
birdie
sonny
2
a
: one belonging to : one having to do with
townie
b
: one who is
preemie
3
: one of (such) a kind or quality
cutie
toughie

Word History

Etymology

Abbreviation (1)

Latin id est

Noun suffix

Middle English

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Cite this Entry

“I.e..” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/i.e.. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

-ie

noun suffix
variants also -y
ē
plural -ies
1
: little one
sonny
bootie
2
: one belonging to : one having to do with
cabbie
3
: one having such a quality
smarty
toughie
Etymology

Noun suffix

Middle English -ie "little one"

More from Merriam-Webster on i.e.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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