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
the same as
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
FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025
That speed is far faster than our cognitive (IQ) system.
—Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 3 Aug. 2025
The launch of Tax IQ represented another significant challenge, which was creating a digital platform without external funding or corporate backing.
—Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 31 July 2025
Symptoms of elevated lead levels in the blood can include lower IQ, memory loss, headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, decreased kidney function and decreased fertility.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for IQ
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Noun
Trump hits back at Jasmine Crockett, calls her ‘a very low IQ person’.
—FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025
That speed is far faster than our cognitive (IQ) system.
—Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 3 Aug. 2025
The launch of Tax IQ represented another significant challenge, which was creating a digital platform without external funding or corporate backing.
—Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 31 July 2025
Symptoms of elevated lead levels in the blood can include lower IQ, memory loss, headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, decreased kidney function and decreased fertility.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for IQ
Cite this Entry
“IQ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IQ. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
IQ
noun
: 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
: 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
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