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

Tickets for adults were hefty, ranging from $69 for a day pass to $449 for a 3-day VIP experience.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Of course, in downgrading, Yosim loses out on the early hour of exclusive shopping and potentially feeling like that red-carpet-worthy VIP.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

Touted as "a girls' weekend like no other", Meghan will speak at a gala dinner, with VIP ticket holders to get front-row seats and a group photo with the duchess.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

They moved to the UAE expecting a non-stop VIP experience, but instead Dubai's influencers found themselves under a barrage of Iranian missiles and drones.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

They are ushered into waiting taxis and down VIP Road, past a colossal landfill and into the heart of North Calcutta.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri