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 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
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
One Piece executive producer Tetsu Fujimura mapped out the massive growth of Japanese IP in a TIFFCOM keynote today, advising that while many of the big properties may already be licensed, attention is shifting to the next tier where there’s huge potential. Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025 But the changing of the guard that will result in Sheridan taking his services from Paramount to NBCUni is seismic all the same because his name brand is more valuable than almost any individual IP he’s created. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 28 Oct. 2025 However, Microsoft’s IP rights no longer include OpenAI’s consumer hardware. Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025 On the enduring appeal of Japanese IP — spanning manga to gaming — Kaori acknowledges persistent obstacles in cross-border adaptation. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025 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 1 Nov. 2025.

Medical Definition

IP

abbreviation
intraperitoneal; intraperitoneally

Legal Definition

IP

abbreviation
intellectual property
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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