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
Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
In general, participants gave lower estimates of their relative intelligence after completing the IQ test, which provided an objective check of sorts.
—ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Since 2021, its internal data team, INKEY IQ, has been translating over 10 million unique consumer interactions into insights that power everything from product development to marketing strategy.
—Gabby Shacknai, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Shark The most powerful Shark vacuum comes in the shape of the Stratos, utilising Clean Sense IQ to improve its cleaning capabilities by boosting power by up to 50%.
—Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for IQ
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Noun
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ football IQ remains one of the highest in the NFL.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
In general, participants gave lower estimates of their relative intelligence after completing the IQ test, which provided an objective check of sorts.
—ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Since 2021, its internal data team, INKEY IQ, has been translating over 10 million unique consumer interactions into insights that power everything from product development to marketing strategy.
—Gabby Shacknai, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Shark The most powerful Shark vacuum comes in the shape of the Stratos, utilising Clean Sense IQ to improve its cleaning capabilities by boosting power by up to 50%.
—Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 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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