VIP

American  

[vee-ahy-pee] / ˈviˈaɪˈpi /

Or V.I.P.

Informal.

1. very important person.

---

VIP British  

abbreviation

1. very important person

2. visually impaired person

3. vasoactive intestinal peptide: a polypeptide secreted by the small intestine during digestion and also found in the brain as a neurotransmitter: large amounts in the blood cause diarrhoea

---

VIP Cultural  

1. An abbreviation for “V ery I mportant P erson”: “The luncheon will be exclusive, with VIPs only.”

---

Usage

What does VIP mean? VIP (or V. I. P.) is an abbreviation of very important person. VIP is an informal way to refer to someone who is notable in some way and is given special treatment in a particular setting. It is also used to describe things involving special access for such people, as in phrases like VIP treatment or VIP pass. The plural of VIP is VIPs. Example: The hotel provides additional security for the rooms reserved by VIPs like heads of state.

Etymology

Origin of VIP

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Get a first look at the South Bay’s new waterfront experience with this ticketed event: general admission is $5, with VIP options available.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Venice Beach, one of L.A.’s most iconic destinations, will host an oceanfront ticketed fan zone, with general admission starting at $10 and VIP options available.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

A ticket is a rare opportunity to mingle in VIP areas over sushi rolls, not to mention fodder for Instagram posts or a chance to appear on television.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

The promotion will also offer "high roller" packages for some VIP guests, granting them special access at the event.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

“Didn’t you know I’m a VIP here? I get free ice cream, free coleslaw, free arrests, and all the free gold spray-painted rocks my heart could ever desire.”

From "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus" by Dusti Bowling