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
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2026
Suddenly, emotional skills that could not be measured by an IQ test, like self-awareness, empathy, and self-regulation, were recognized as essential to a successful life.
—Big Think, 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
Some thinkers, like the author and journalist Thomas L Friedman, propose that–in a world where the internet has made information so readily available–IQ is outweighed by curiosity when it’s combined with passion.
—Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
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Noun
Head coach Rodney McFadden calls him a complete player with a high basketball IQ.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2026
Suddenly, emotional skills that could not be measured by an IQ test, like self-awareness, empathy, and self-regulation, were recognized as essential to a successful life.
—Big Think, 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
Some thinkers, like the author and journalist Thomas L Friedman, propose that–in a world where the internet has made information so readily available–IQ is outweighed by curiosity when it’s combined with passion.
—Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 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 5 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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