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
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Additionally, data from Nielsen IQ shows that functional beverages only make up 1.7 percent of total soft drink sales, denoting significant opportunity in the space.
—Emily Burns, WWD, 25 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for IQ
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.
Noun
Other topics have been explored as science has evolved, including the impact of fluoride consumption on pregnancy, arthritis, IQ, and kidney disease.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Additionally, data from Nielsen IQ shows that functional beverages only make up 1.7 percent of total soft drink sales, denoting significant opportunity in the space.
—Emily Burns, WWD, 25 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for IQ
Cite this Entry
“IQ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IQ. Accessed 3 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share