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
Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
Cadillac provided flights from Los Angeles to San Fransisco and accommodation so Ars could drive the Escalade IQ.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 17 Mar. 2025
Democrats hold a one-seat majority on the officially nonpartisan board of 13 members.
Ladapo and other advocates for an end to fluoride in drinking water have pointed to studies linking fluoride consumption to early-development issues with children, including lower IQ levels.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
There is a large body of psychological evidence showing that IQ tests do measure aspects of intelligence, and that people with high IQs are more likely to have higher incomes and succeed in cognitively demanding fields like academia or the law.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for IQ
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Noun
The report also did not specify how much IQ levels dipped or whether adults could also be affected.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
Cadillac provided flights from Los Angeles to San Fransisco and accommodation so Ars could drive the Escalade IQ.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 17 Mar. 2025
Democrats hold a one-seat majority on the officially nonpartisan board of 13 members.
Ladapo and other advocates for an end to fluoride in drinking water have pointed to studies linking fluoride consumption to early-development issues with children, including lower IQ levels.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
There is a large body of psychological evidence showing that IQ tests do measure aspects of intelligence, and that people with high IQs are more likely to have higher incomes and succeed in cognitively demanding fields like academia or the law.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 12 Mar. 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 25 Mar. 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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