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
Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 15 July 2025
How players are displaying uncharacteristically low IQ's on defense.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Through a strategic alliance, JPMorgan Chase has become an operational partner for Consulting IQ — though the relationship extends far beyond logistics.
—Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
While CEOs and industry leaders are publicly acknowledging AI's transformative impact on employment, a comprehensive new study from Leadership IQ reveals that the vast majority of business leaders may be living in denial about what's actually coming.
—Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for IQ
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.
Noun
Given that Caddy now also makes an all-electric Escalade IQ that puts out 750 hp and 785 lb-ft in standard form, could a V-Series version making 1,000 ponies be next?
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 15 July 2025
How players are displaying uncharacteristically low IQ's on defense.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Through a strategic alliance, JPMorgan Chase has become an operational partner for Consulting IQ — though the relationship extends far beyond logistics.
—Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
While CEOs and industry leaders are publicly acknowledging AI's transformative impact on employment, a comprehensive new study from Leadership IQ reveals that the vast majority of business leaders may be living in denial about what's actually coming.
—Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 June 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 25 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share