IQ

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noun

ˌī-ˈkyü

Synonyms of IQ next

: a number used to express the apparent relative intelligence of a person: such as

: a score determined by one's performance on a standardized intelligence test relative to the average performance of others of the same age

: the ratio of the mental age (as reported on a standardized test) to the chronological age multiplied by 100

: proficiency in or knowledge of a specified subject

nobody questioned his hockey IQ

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Example Sentences

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

Long derided for his questionable shot selection, hustle and basketball IQ, Wiggins is averaging career-highs in field-goal percentage (46.2), 3-point percentage (40.7) and blocks (1.6). —

Connor Letourneau, SFChronicle.com, 26 Jan. 2021

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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“IQ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IQ. Accessed 13 Jul. 2023.

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Kids Definition

noun

ˈī-ˈkyü

: 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