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
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Recent scrutiny of fluoride There has been pushback to water fluoridation since the practice became popular, and in recent years opponents to the practice have expressed concerns over potential impacts on IQ.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Other recent research, including a 2024 study from Australia has found no association between childhood IQ and fluoride exposure level.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2025
In a November social media post, Kennedy claimed fluoride is linked to a variety of health issues, including arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders and thyroid disease — but experts disagree.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 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
Lopes lacks the poise, control, fight IQ, coachability and ability to make in-fight adjustments of his opponent.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Recent scrutiny of fluoride There has been pushback to water fluoridation since the practice became popular, and in recent years opponents to the practice have expressed concerns over potential impacts on IQ.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Other recent research, including a 2024 study from Australia has found no association between childhood IQ and fluoride exposure level.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2025
In a November social media post, Kennedy claimed fluoride is linked to a variety of health issues, including arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders and thyroid disease — but experts disagree.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 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 24 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