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
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2026
When psychologists talk about exceptional intelligence, the conversation almost always gravitates toward IQ.
—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
This gives you a massive 41% discount on a flagship entertainment centerpiece featuring Hi-QLED mini-LED zone backlighting, a fluid native 144Hz Game Mode, and Dolby Vision IQ.
—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
24 June 2026
But the coaching staff has been impressed with the rookie’s IQ, mechanics and athleticism.
—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for IQ
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Noun
Karaban said the most underrated part of his game is his basketball IQ.
—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2026
When psychologists talk about exceptional intelligence, the conversation almost always gravitates toward IQ.
—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
This gives you a massive 41% discount on a flagship entertainment centerpiece featuring Hi-QLED mini-LED zone backlighting, a fluid native 144Hz Game Mode, and Dolby Vision IQ.
—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
24 June 2026
But the coaching staff has been impressed with the rookie’s IQ, mechanics and athleticism.
—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
23 June 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 3 Jul. 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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