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
Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
While some VCs like IQ Capital have pivoted to focus more intently on defense, others are being set up in Europe purely to hunt for opportunities in the sector.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
The reason likely comes down to IQ (intelligence quotient) versus EQ (emotional quotient).
—Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Varner says Staub’s football IQ was a big part of his prep success and a driving factor in Sanford offering the QB before his senior season.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for IQ
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Noun
Shark The most powerful Shark vacuum comes in the shape of the Stratos, utilising Clean Sense IQ to improve its cleaning capabilities by boosting power by up to 50%.
—Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
While some VCs like IQ Capital have pivoted to focus more intently on defense, others are being set up in Europe purely to hunt for opportunities in the sector.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
The reason likely comes down to IQ (intelligence quotient) versus EQ (emotional quotient).
—Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Varner says Staub’s football IQ was a big part of his prep success and a driving factor in Sanford offering the QB before his senior season.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for IQ
Cite this Entry
“IQ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IQ. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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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