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

On The Rise Intangible assets include research and development, software and data, design, and more—everything directly related to IP. —Olena Orliuk, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

After an accidental death spurs a sinister epiphany, the screenwriter starts committing the murders of his script’s fictional serial killer in a desperate attempt to generate the IP necessary to get his movie made. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024

The show’s 26 30-minute episodes will feature CG and hybrid animation techniques with a bespoke aesthetic being developed specifically for the IP. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024

Granted, Prophecy is yet another chapter of Hollywood’s infatuation with IP, but it’s also yielded a lavish little soap opera where Emily Watson is a super-powered leader of an all-female finishing school for young intergalactic mages. —Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 18 Nov. 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