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
Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
Highland senior forward Haylie Houchin said Steele’s basketball IQ also comes into play on the defensive end.
—Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
And unfortunately, according to Leadership IQ’s Narcissist Test, more than half of employees rated their boss as having at least a few narcissistic traits.
—Mark Murphy, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Up to five pairs of diners a night can enjoy a dinner curated by the Manhattan hot spot — which has served celebrities like Nas, David Beckham and more — from the backseat of the brand-new Cadillac Escalade IQ.
—Brendan Le, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025
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Noun
Fluoride’s possible effects on children’s IQ also remain a subject of debate.
—Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
Highland senior forward Haylie Houchin said Steele’s basketball IQ also comes into play on the defensive end.
—Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
And unfortunately, according to Leadership IQ’s Narcissist Test, more than half of employees rated their boss as having at least a few narcissistic traits.
—Mark Murphy, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Up to five pairs of diners a night can enjoy a dinner curated by the Manhattan hot spot — which has served celebrities like Nas, David Beckham and more — from the backseat of the brand-new Cadillac Escalade IQ.
—Brendan Le, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025
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 3 Feb. 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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