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
Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025
The 6’1″ and 205-pound passer showcases elite processing, football IQ, and sufficient arm talent.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
For humans in high-income countries, IQ tests often predict key outcomes, such as academic and career success.
—Matthew Hutson, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Sep. 2025
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ football IQ remains one of the highest in the NFL.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for IQ
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Noun
The logo is quite dated, as it was used in those days where having an orange face was not necessarily a sign of low IQ.
—Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025
The 6’1″ and 205-pound passer showcases elite processing, football IQ, and sufficient arm talent.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
For humans in high-income countries, IQ tests often predict key outcomes, such as academic and career success.
—Matthew Hutson, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Sep. 2025
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ football IQ remains one of the highest in the NFL.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for IQ
Cite this Entry
“IQ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IQ. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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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