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

Starz has also looked after its separation from Lionsgate to develop its own IP in-house and on a lower per-episode content cost overall, and to draw from within the Power and Outlander universes for new series. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026

Bloomberg’s sources said that OpenAI launched an internal probe on the speaker following Apple’s lawsuit and determined that the speaker doesn’t use Apple IP. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026

Since effectiveness against water jets is a different test than submersion, some cases have multiple IP ratings. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

The guidance comes nine months after OpenAI completed a corporate restructuring that included extending IP rights for Microsoft through 2032. — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 5 Aug. 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