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

Ten of those were VIP private jets and none of them were in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

Determined to secure her spot, Vevee found an account reselling tickets on X and splashed out $1,200 for four VIP seats.

From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026

“Indexed Universal Life policies are often sold as a ‘have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too’ solution: stock-market upside with downside protection and tax-free income,” said Mark Stancato, a certified financial planner with VIP Wealth Advisors in Decatur, Ga.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 16, 2026

Reports surrounding the event have highlighted VIP invitations, exclusive access opportunities and ticket packages costing thousands of dollars.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026

Teddy took his seat in the VIP room.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir