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

From Microsoft to Palantir and Salesforce, CEOs are realizing that on the current path, the labs will absorb your talent, context, and IP and displace you. — Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

The initiative forms part of CJ ENM’s Music Creative eco-System (MCS) – which encompasses IP planning, platforms and artist management – and is aimed at driving the global expansion of K-pop. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 15 July 2026

But in an outward show of IP confidence with almost no Hollywood precedent, Universal’s corporate overseers decided to allocate theme-park real estate for How to Train Your Dragon in Epic Universe. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 14 July 2026

Under the deal, Espotlight will receive a first look at Spanish-language stories published on Wattpad, giving the production company access to a pipeline of digital-native IP with established readerships. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 14 July 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