IP

1 of 2

abbreviation or noun

ˈī-ˈpē 

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 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

Examples of IP in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Abbreviation or noun

While the ‘90s and 2000s had plenty of classic rom-coms, in recent years, studios have leaned more heavily into super hero adaptations and recycling IP. —Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 19 Feb. 2026

Authors get real about the Hollywood IP machine. —Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026

Medeiros is currently working on half a dozen shows that are all original IP and Brazil-set stories. —Ed Meza, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026

The 10th pitcher in innings had 187 innings (IP). —Michael Salfino, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Abbreviation Or Noun

1979, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for IP

• blip
• chip
• clip
• dip
• drip
• flip
• grip
• grippe
• hip
• kip
• lip
• nip

Medical Definition

IP

abbreviation

intraperitoneal; intraperitoneally

Legal Definition

IP

abbreviation

intellectual property