IP
1 of 2abbreviation 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
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
Scott MendelsonShould 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
Stephen Lambrechts1
initial point
2
sports
innings pitched
3
intermediate pressure
4
Internet protocol (see protocol sense 1b)
Every computer, modem, server and smartphone that connects to the Internet has a unique Internet protocol (IP) address, which enables users to find it.—Mark Fischetti
see also ip address
Mark FischettiExamples of IP in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026
The business division harnesses end-to-end services, including novel ingredient discovery, pre-clinical testing, formulation development, quality control production, and access to Debut’s IP portfolio.
—Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 27 Jan. 2026
Two further hallmarks of your series are their combo of top creative talent, with hits under their belts as novelists or directors, and IP, be that a historical event or a bestseller.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
For decades, China relied heavily on resourceful harvesting of American IP for all its tech ambitions.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for IP
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Abbreviation or noun
Zada believes that the power to keep AI outputs copyright clean lies in the hands of the prompter, meaning Secret Level forbids IP being cited in its text inputs.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026
The business division harnesses end-to-end services, including novel ingredient discovery, pre-clinical testing, formulation development, quality control production, and access to Debut’s IP portfolio.
—Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 27 Jan. 2026
Two further hallmarks of your series are their combo of top creative talent, with hits under their belts as novelists or directors, and IP, be that a historical event or a bestseller.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
For decades, China relied heavily on resourceful harvesting of American IP for all its tech ambitions.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for IP
Cite this Entry
“IP.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IP. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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