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 3b)
Every computer, modem, server and smartphone that connects to the Internet has a unique Internet protocol (IP) address, which enables users to find it. The address format, known as IPv4, was standardized in 1977 as a 32-digit binary number, making a then seemingly unlimited 4.3 billion addresses … available.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
Taxes: Obtain an Identity Protection (IP) PIN from the IRS to prevent fraudulent tax filings. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024 But more than any of its predecessors, Kraven the Hunter lays bare what their weird cinematic project has always been: a desperate cash grab built on the concept of IP’s earning potential rather than a series of good ideas projected onto the big screen. Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 13 Dec. 2024 In an era of endless IP, Dexter: Original Sin is at least entertaining, and that’s more than can be said for countless other recent cash grabs. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Dec. 2024 Some of the people who were laid off also mentioned a shift away from hardware, which to me indicates an impending sale of IP and possibly the remaining talent in the company. Anshel Sag, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near IP

Cite this Entry

“IP.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IP. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

IP

abbreviation
intraperitoneal; intraperitoneally

Legal Definition

IP

abbreviation
intellectual property
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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