IP

1 of 2

abbreviation or noun

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 1b)
Every computer, modem, server and smartphone that connects to the Internet has a unique Internet protocol (IP) address, which enables users to find it.Mark Fischetti
see also ip address

Examples of IP in a Sentence

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.
Abbreviation or noun
In an era when IP is king at the theatrical box office, particularly when it’s encroached upon by streaming, what’s the trick to figuring out if an original project can play to a mass audience or a Gen Z one? Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2026 Establishing clarity around audience, IP, cadence, partners, measurement, and governance is paramount. Jordan P. Kelley, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 Water resistance levels, indicated by Ingress Protection (IP) codes, assist in identifying devices that can safely be used under various wet conditions. Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026 Using ultra-fine glass needles, the researchers injected tiny droplets of a commercial photoresist, known as IP-S, into HeLa cells, a common human cell line. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for IP

Word History

First Known Use

Abbreviation Or Noun

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of IP was in 1979

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“IP.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IP. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

Medical Definition

IP

abbreviation
intraperitoneal; intraperitoneally

Legal Definition

IP

abbreviation
intellectual property
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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