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

The next day, about 500 vehicles carrying more than 1,000 guests are expected to arrive at the venue via a tented VIP entrance, according to CBS News.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

This year, 6,500 people attended, with some paying more than $1,600 for a VIP experience.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026

That means managing equipment load-ins, VIP arrivals and third-party vendor schedules.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 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

“Oh! Well done, madam. I will ask the porter to take you to the VIP lounge.”

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie