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

Guests are paying up to A$3,199 to attend a "girls' weekend", with a VIP package including the opportunity to get a group table photograph with Meghan.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

"As she told one customer in 2020, 'I'm really select with people,' and 'it's a very VIP circle of celebs.'"

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

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

VIP tours will take visitors to notable works of art and architecture in the region, including Rachel Whiteread’s “Ghost Cabins” and architect Arata Isozaki’s “Desert Rooms,” both major installations.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Reggie parked the Lamborghini in a VIP lot for a hundred dollars.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty