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
These include learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ. Korin Miller, Health, 8 Mar. 2024 Long-term effects depend on the level of exposure and include memory problems, impaired speech, lowered IQ, fatigue, irritability, constipation, and vomiting, among others. Kayla Blanton, SELF, 7 Mar. 2024 Exposure to lead in utero, infancy and early childhood can lead to harmful neurological effects like learning and behavior disabilities and lowered IQ, according to the regulator. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2024 Just in the 5 games post-All-Star break, IQ is putting up over 21 points while shooting better than 45% from three on nearly 10 attempts a game. Esfandiar Baraheni, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 The relatively low level of competition always deserves to be a consideration, but his body is built for the NFL — 6-5, 320 with long arms — and IQ shouldn’t be an issue. 69. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Feb. 2024 Those who had been admitted to the intensive care unit for COVID-19 had a nine-point loss in IQ. Ziyad Al-Aly, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2024 Some symptoms and effects of lead poisoning include developmental delays, learning difficulties, decreased memory and lowered IQ, according to the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department. Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 Goleman underscored its importance, noting that while IQ and technical skills are crucial, emotional intelligence is the sine qua non of leadership. Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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