IP

1 of 2

abbreviation or noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Abbreviation or noun
Aardman’s team for the show includes director Tom Parkinson, creative director — IP development Nat McKay and model making creative lead James Young. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026 Last year, Holywater struck a deal with Fox that calls for the partners to produce as many as 200 vertical media series derived from IP drawn from Fox’s vault. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 In an era of AI abundance, high levels of trust make people want to stretch their skills, stay with the company, and create new intellectual property (IP). Ted Kitterman, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 The form was an NDA that all preview audiences are asked to sign a week in advance to view in an unreleased film, in order to prevent spoilers and protect IP. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for IP

Word History

First Known Use

Abbreviation Or Noun

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of IP was in 1979

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“IP.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IP. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

Medical Definition

IP

abbreviation
intraperitoneal; intraperitoneally

Legal Definition

IP

abbreviation
intellectual property
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