VIP

American  

[vee-ahy-pee] / ˈviˈaɪˈpi /

Or V.I.P.

Informal.

1. very important person.

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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

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VIP Cultural  

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

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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

See Examples For:

VIP

“It became a VIP program for rich and powerful people, where security wasn’t prioritized,” Chan said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2026

So is he getting the cellblock at Rikers Island ready for an incoming VIP?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

In England, a so-called "VIP lane" – officially known as the high priority lane – was set up in the pandemic to award government PPE contracts.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

Harper said he received a request on Cameo in November 2024 to read a message provided by FanDuel VIP host Bryttanni Morgan for a personal “holiday video for Terry.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

Unfortunately, Percy didn’t see much choice but to play along with her VIP tour until they could find the sea god Phorcys, even if they were walking deeper into a trap.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan