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
Erika Edwards, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
The report also did not specify how much IQ levels dipped or whether adults could also be affected.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Nov. 2024
Alabama said an appeals court 'bent law and logic' when ruling the state can’t executive Joseph Clifton Smith, whose IQ is in the 70s.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024
The Supreme Court said Monday that the appeals court’s ruling allowed for two interpretations: one that gives greater weight to the lowest IQ score an offender receives, and another that takes a more holistic approach, weighing the scores together.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for IQ 
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Noun
Experts maintain that there’s no credible evidence proving fluoride has lowered kids’ IQ levels.
—Erika Edwards, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
The report also did not specify how much IQ levels dipped or whether adults could also be affected.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Nov. 2024
Alabama said an appeals court 'bent law and logic' when ruling the state can’t executive Joseph Clifton Smith, whose IQ is in the 70s.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024
The Supreme Court said Monday that the appeals court’s ruling allowed for two interpretations: one that gives greater weight to the lowest IQ score an offender receives, and another that takes a more holistic approach, weighing the scores together.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for IQ
Dictionary Entries Near IQ
Cite this Entry
“IQ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IQ. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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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