IQ

1 of 2

noun

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

iq

2 of 2

abbreviation

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
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
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 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

intelligence quotient

Abbreviation

Latin idem quod

First Known Use

Noun

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of IQ was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near IQ

Cite this Entry

“IQ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IQ. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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