IQ

1 of 2

noun

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

iq

2 of 2

abbreviation

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
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
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 Krebs can play successfully against elites (via Puck IQ), brings enough offence for a middle-six role (via Natural Stat Trick) and is on a value deal (via PuckPedia). Krebs, 24, is a centre in Buffalo, but could easily work on the wing. Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for IQ

Word History

Etymology

Noun

intelligence quotient

Abbreviation

Latin idem quod

First Known Use

Noun

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of IQ was in 1920

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“IQ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IQ. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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