IP

1 of 2

abbreviation or noun

ˈī-ˈpē 

plural IPs also IP's

: intellectual property

They are racing to protect their own nanotechnology intellectual property (IP) or to license or buy it from universities, companies, or other groups. Nanotech IP is particularly valuable right now because it is the foundation for a young and expansive field …

—Susan J. Ainsworth

… Hollywood's obsession with IP has created a scenario where the movies are more expensive while the bar for success is lower.

—Scott Mendelson

Should Microsoft beat out other prospective buyers, it could mean that future games from IPs such as LEGO, Harry Potter, Just Cause, Batman, Mortal Kombat and more could become Xbox exclusives …

—Stephen Lambrechts

IP

2 of 2

abbreviation

1

initial point

2

sports innings pitched

3

intermediate pressure

4

Internet protocol (see protocol sense 3b)

Every computer, modem, server and smartphone that connects to the Internet has a unique Internet protocol (IP) address, which enables users to find it. The address format, known as IPv4, was standardized in 1977 as a 32-digit binary number, making a then seemingly unlimited 4.3 billion addresses … available.

—Mark Fischetti

see also ip address

Examples of IP in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Abbreviation or noun

The second quarter of fiscal 2023 included one-time items related to the gain on sale of intangible assets that were affiliated with the Vince IP sale and transaction expenses. —Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 16 Sep. 2024

If network sleuthing using IP addresses is outside your tech abilities, consider asking a tech-savvy friend or relative to take on the task. —PCMAG, 13 Sep. 2024

Apparently, Pharrell tried to file three separate trademark applications for The Neptunes under his company PW IP Holdings LLC: one for streaming music, another for music videos, and another for live performances. —Angel Diaz, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2024

This year, the parks share four IP house themes: Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines, Insidious: The Further, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and A Quiet Place. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Abbreviation Or Noun

1979, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

IP

abbreviation

intraperitoneal; intraperitoneally

Legal Definition

IP

abbreviation

intellectual property