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
Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
Building emotional intelligence through entrepreneurship creates a competitive advantage—studies attribute 89% of entrepreneurial success to emotional intelligence compared to just 11% for IQ.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
That is more than $50,000 less than the starting price of the ICE G-Wagen and nearly $70,000 less than the E 580 with IQ Technology.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2025
Lopes lacks the poise, control, fight IQ, coachability and ability to make in-fight adjustments of his opponent.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for IQ
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Noun
Movie buffs will appreciate Dolby Vision IQ’s cinematic punch, and casual users can simply unbox, sign in, and start streaming in minutes.
—Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
Building emotional intelligence through entrepreneurship creates a competitive advantage—studies attribute 89% of entrepreneurial success to emotional intelligence compared to just 11% for IQ.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
That is more than $50,000 less than the starting price of the ICE G-Wagen and nearly $70,000 less than the E 580 with IQ Technology.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2025
Lopes lacks the poise, control, fight IQ, coachability and ability to make in-fight adjustments of his opponent.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 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 4 May. 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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