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
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Stupidity is not tied to IQ — as dumbness is — or the ability to assess risks — as being foolish is.
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
Head coach Rodney McFadden calls him a complete player with a high basketball IQ.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2026
All numbers five-on-five versus elites, via Puck IQ This is a shocking set of numbers, even with the knowledge that the third and fourth lines have struggled in 2025-26.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
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Noun
Without the correct attributes — competitiveness, mindset, IQ, internal drive — Donovan fears a young player could flounder in Chicago.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Stupidity is not tied to IQ — as dumbness is — or the ability to assess risks — as being foolish is.
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
Head coach Rodney McFadden calls him a complete player with a high basketball IQ.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2026
All numbers five-on-five versus elites, via Puck IQ This is a shocking set of numbers, even with the knowledge that the third and fourth lines have struggled in 2025-26.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for IQ
Cite this Entry
“IQ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IQ. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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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