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

TikTok will not be accessible from an internet browser in the U.S. unless a user employs a VPN, which encrypts internet traffic and hides the user's IP address. —Angrej Singh, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025

The Imagineers, of course, take Disney IP and create ways for fans to immerse themselves in it. —Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Jan. 2025

Step 2: Open your browser, type http:// and paste in your IP address. —Kim Komando, Fox News, 31 Dec. 2024

Hollywood’s high-pressure expectations game has created a box office doom loop: How Hollywood’s absurdly high expectations — on big-budget franchises, familiar IP, opening weekend and more — led to the current box office crisis. —Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 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