IQ

1 of 2

noun

ˌī-ˈkyü How to pronounce IQ (audio)
Synonyms of IQnext
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

Synonyms of IQ

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Noun

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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
One of the best fish tank filter options is the Tetra Whisper IQ. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026 However, those aspects of leadership talent have been severely disrupted by AI, which has already won the IQ battle against humans. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Breastfeeding is linked to higher IQs in children, but mothers with higher IQs are more likely to breastfeed, and because IQ is partly genetic, their kids would probably have higher IQs anyway. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026 In an analysis by Sourcing Journal of data from S&P Capital IQ, the public companies that make up the textile industry are big, broad and diverse. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for IQ

Word History

Etymology

Noun

intelligence quotient

Abbreviation

Latin idem quod

First Known Use

Noun

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of IQ was in 1915

Rhymes for IQ

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Browse Nearby Words

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IQ
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Cite this Entry

“IQ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IQ. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

IQ

noun
ˈī-ˈkyü How to pronounce IQ (audio)
: 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
ˌī-ˈkyü How to pronounce IQ (audio)
: 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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