IQ

1 of 2

noun

ˌī-ˈkyü 

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

iq

2 of 2

abbreviation

the same as

Synonyms of IQ

Noun

• proficiency

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

Noun

Potentially one of the top prospects in America regardless of position, Moore is a five-tool prospect — size, length, speed, body control and football IQ. — Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 22 July 2026

The story is a Garmin user spotted a reference and thumbnail image of the Garmin Cirqa tracker in the Connect IQ phone app, on an in-app compatibility list. — Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

On average, rates for insurance written by the largest California auto insurers have climbed more than 30% since 2022, according to S&P Capital IQ. — Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Severe autism, in contrast, is generally associated with low IQ, little or no verbal speech, and a probability that the person will need some form of lifelong care or supervision. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

intelligence quotient

Abbreviation

Latin idem quod

First Known Use

Noun

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for IQ

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

IQ

noun

ˈī-ˈkyü 

: 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

ˌī-ˈkyü 

: 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