ip

IPA/ˌaɪ ˈpiː/
KK[ˈaɪpˈi]IPA/ˌaɪ ˈpiː/

ip — noun

1. a set of standards that governs the way data moves between computers and other d

1.nounB2
Definition

a set of standards that governs the way data moves between computers and other devices across the internet

Example

The technician checked each office computer's IP settings to locate the device causing the outage.

often used as modifier: IP settings, IP address

Without a valid IP from the network, a smartphone cannot send or receive data.

Common collocations
  • IP address
  • IP network
  • IP packet
  • assign an IP
  • configure IP
  • IP settings

Grammar Patterns

ip + noun (as modifier) — e.g. IP address, IP network

Usage Note

IP is almost always used as a modifier before another noun (IP address, IP network, IP packet) rather than as a standalone noun. The full term 'Internet Protocol' is used in formal technical writing.

Common Mistakes

I changed my IP.' (in a formal support ticket).
I changed my IP address.
In everyday conversation, 'IP' alone is widely used as shorthand for 'IP address'. In formal or technical writing, the full term 'IP address' is preferred for clarity.

2. a creative work, invention, design, or idea that belongs to a person or company

2.nounB2
Definition

a creative work, invention, design, or idea that belongs to a person or company by law and cannot be copied or used without permission

Example

The company filed a lawsuit to protect its IP from being copied by competitors.

collocation: protect IP

Amani registered her furniture design as intellectual property so other companies could not sell copies.

Common collocations
  • protect IP
  • own the IP
  • IP rights
  • IP law
  • IP theft
  • infringe IP
  • IP assets
  • licence IP
Synonyms
  • copyright

    narrower — only covers creative works like books, music, and film, not inventions or designs

  • patent

    narrower — covers inventions and processes, not creative works

  • trademark

    narrower — covers brand names, logos, and symbols

Antonyms
  • public domain

    creative works or inventions that are not owned by anyone and can be used freely

Grammar Patterns

own/protect/infringe + IP

Usage Note

IP is uncountable — you cannot say 'an IP' to mean a single piece of intellectual property. Use 'a piece of IP' or 'IP assets' for individual items. The plural form 'IPs' is sometimes used informally in business contexts but is not standard.

Common Mistakes

She owns three IPs.
She owns three pieces of intellectual property.
IP is uncountable; use 'pieces of intellectual property' or 'IP assets' for counting.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

IP (intellectual property) is the broadest term, covering all creations of the mind that the law protects. Copyright is a specific type of IP that protects original creative works such as books, music, films, and artwork — it does not cover inventions or brand names. A patent is another type of IP that protects inventions, processes, and technological innovations for a limited period. A trademark protects brand identifiers like names, logos, and slogans that distinguish goods or services. For example, the novel you write is protected by copyright; the new engine design you invent can be patented; and the company logo you design is a trademark. All three are forms of intellectual property.

copyright ↗patent ↗trademark ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • IP address
  • IP network
  • IP packet
  • IP rights
  • IP law
  • IP theft
  • IP protection
  • IP assets

Etymology

English

IP is an initialism formed from the first letters of the words it represents. The two main meanings developed in separate fields: 'Internet Protocol' (from computing, 1970s) and 'Intellectual Property' (from legal usage, mid-1900s). The abbreviation became common as both fields grew rapidly in the late twentieth century.

First known use

1979

1979, in the meaning defined above