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

Mark Murphy is the New York Times bestselling author of Hiring For Attitude and the founder of Leadership IQ. — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Sodas and cold drinks prices increased only slightly, while coffee and hot drinks saw a median jump of about 13%, according to Theme Parks IQ. — Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

But Kane’s game was never predicated on speed, but rather his hockey IQ, his anticipation and his singular creativity that made him seemingly every great player’s favorite player growing up. — Scott Powers, New York Times, 23 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