1
: a number used to express the apparent relative intelligence of a person: such as
a
: a score determined by one's performance on a standardized intelligence test relative to the average performance of others of the same age
b
: the ratio of the mental age (as reported on a standardized test) to the chronological age multiplied by 100
2
: proficiency in or knowledge of a specified subject
nobody questioned his hockey IQ
the same as
Examples of IQ in a Sentence
Noun
They wanted me to take an IQ test.
he has a movie IQ that is off the charts
Recent Examples on the Web
Carol Bainbridge, Parents, 23 July 2024
The Escalade seats up to eight. 2025 Cadillac Escalade trim levels
Luxury
Premium Luxury
Sport
Sport Platinum
Premium Luxury Platinum
V-series
Coming soon: Escalade IQ electric vehicle
Prices TBA
Power doors, smart doors
Power doors are standard on V-series and Platinum models.
—Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 17 July 2024
And nearly 43 million bottles of Caesar salad dressing – or $150 million worth – have been sold in the U.S. over the past year, according to Nielsen IQ.
—Dee-Ann Durbin, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 July 2024
Forrest is a war hero, college graduate, and gazillionaire, but a couple of measly IQ points, and he is automatically filed as incompetent and incapable.
—Ciara Moloney, IndieWire, 4 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for IQ 
Noun
Even if a baby is verbally advanced, IQ tests are not designed for children this young.
—Carol Bainbridge, Parents, 23 July 2024
The Escalade seats up to eight. 2025 Cadillac Escalade trim levels
Luxury
Premium Luxury
Sport
Sport Platinum
Premium Luxury Platinum
V-series
Coming soon: Escalade IQ electric vehicle
Prices TBA
Power doors, smart doors
Power doors are standard on V-series and Platinum models.
—Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 17 July 2024
And nearly 43 million bottles of Caesar salad dressing – or $150 million worth – have been sold in the U.S. over the past year, according to Nielsen IQ.
—Dee-Ann Durbin, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 July 2024
Forrest is a war hero, college graduate, and gazillionaire, but a couple of measly IQ points, and he is automatically filed as incompetent and incapable.
—Ciara Moloney, IndieWire, 4 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for IQ
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'IQ.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near IQ
Cite this Entry
“IQ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IQ. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
IQ
noun
: a number that is often used as a measure of a person's intelligence and is found by dividing the mental age of the person as given by a score on a special test by the age in years and multiplying by 100
Etymology
Noun
intelligence quotient
Medical Definition
IQ
noun
: a number used to express the apparent relative intelligence of a person based on the results of standardized testing: as
a
: the ratio of the mental age (as reported on a standardized test) to the chronological age multiplied by 100
b
: a score determined by one's performance on a standardized intelligence test relative to the average performance of others of the same age
Etymology
Noun
intelligence quotient
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