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 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

Abbreviation or noun

Protecting against these threats requires implementing LLM firewalls that understand natural language interactions, unlike traditional firewalls that focus on IP addresses or applications. —Rehan Jalil, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Lux Labs will offer hands-on support, like IP rights, company formation, board member recruitment, and building networks. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024

But the company says that China’s youth market is best accessed through a vastly broader strategy that embraces IP, fandom, events, retail and merchandizing. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024

He’ll be joined by Diana Williams, the CEO and co-founder of Kinetic Energy Entertainment, a media venture that specializes in finding ways to leverage culturally meaningful IP. —Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Abbreviation Or Noun

1979, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

IP

abbreviation

intraperitoneal; intraperitoneally

Legal Definition

IP

abbreviation

intellectual property