IP

1 of 2

abbreviation or noun

plural IPs also IP's
: intellectual property
They are racing to protect their own nanotechnology intellectual property (IP) or to license or buy it from universities, companies, or other groups. Nanotech IP is particularly valuable right now because it is the foundation for a young and expansive field …Susan J. Ainsworth
… Hollywood's obsession with IP has created a scenario where the movies are more expensive while the bar for success is lower.Scott Mendelson
Should Microsoft beat out other prospective buyers, it could mean that future games from IPs such as LEGO, Harry Potter, Just Cause, Batman, Mortal Kombat and more could become Xbox exclusives …Stephen Lambrechts

IP

2 of 2

abbreviation

1
initial point
2
sports innings pitched
3
intermediate pressure
4
Internet protocol (see protocol sense 3b)
Every computer, modem, server and smartphone that connects to the Internet has a unique Internet protocol (IP) address, which enables users to find it. The address format, known as IPv4, was standardized in 1977 as a 32-digit binary number, making a then seemingly unlimited 4.3 billion addresses … available.Mark Fischetti
see also ip address

Examples of IP in a Sentence

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.
Abbreviation or noun
This job involves networking and infrastructure such as routing and switching, IP connectivity, security fundamentals and automation. Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 What The Girlfriend, Sirens, and The Hunting Wives accomplish, though, is a melding of high and low art that in this current era of western-cosplaying and IP-chasing TV feels more and more rare. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025 The company plans to use the new capital to scale and expand its IP portfolio and premium franchise pipeline. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 That opens up different kinds of stories for us, and hopefully we’ve got invested in good concepts and IP. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for IP

Word History

First Known Use

Abbreviation Or Noun

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of IP was in 1979

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“IP.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IP. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

IP

abbreviation
intraperitoneal; intraperitoneally

Legal Definition

IP

abbreviation
intellectual property
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!