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
Noun
Cadillac shows electric Escalade, other updates The public will get its first up-close look at the electric version of Cadillac's signature vehicle as the Escalade IQ makes its auto show debut. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2023 No blood lead level is considered safe in children, and even low levels of lead in blood can affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. Amanda Milkovits, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2023 Wharton looks for his veteran leadership and high IQ players like Hunter to lead the way all season. Baltimore Sun, 5 Sep. 2023 Eufy by Anker Boost IQ RoboVac, $139.99 with coupon (orig. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2023 The segment will be joined by the pricier 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ, which is targeting a 450-mile rating and will also have to contend with the significantly cheaper three-row Kia EV9 that should get up to 300 miles of range. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 22 Aug. 2023 Starting Monday and running through Thursday, Aug. 24, Chipotle will offer BOGOs to fans who score a 10 out of 10 on Chipotle IQ. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 21 Aug. 2023 But in the 2017 opinion, for example, the Florida Supreme Court rejected the intellectual-disability arguments and pointed to a series of IQ scores. Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2023 Garry, who boasts a sterling 12-0 record with an undefeated 5-0 mark in the UFC, backs up his trash talk with slick striking and high fight IQ. Cam Kerry, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'IQ.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 25 Sep. 2023.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!