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
Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
Studies have consistently found that children who learn music are more likely to have increased IQ scores and better language development.
—Stefan Falk, CNBC, 30 May 2025
Cadillac has a new, more elegant take on the shamelessly big EV – the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ.
—Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Though basic, this oven does employ Breville’s Element IQ technology to optimize the eight smart cooking functions which include roast, bake, cookies, and pizza.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2025
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Noun
More recently, critics have claimed that fluoridation lowers IQ.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
Studies have consistently found that children who learn music are more likely to have increased IQ scores and better language development.
—Stefan Falk, CNBC, 30 May 2025
Cadillac has a new, more elegant take on the shamelessly big EV – the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ.
—Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Though basic, this oven does employ Breville’s Element IQ technology to optimize the eight smart cooking functions which include roast, bake, cookies, and pizza.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 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 7 Jun. 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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