IMO

American  

Also imo, or IMHO

abbreviation

1. in my (honest/humble) opinion.

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IMO ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. text messaging in my opinion

2. International Maritime Organization

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Imo ² British  

/ ˈiːməʊ /

noun

1. a state of SE Nigeria. Capital: Owerri. Pop:3 934 899 (2006). Area: 5100 sq km (1969 sq miles)

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Etymology

Origin of IMO

First recorded in 1980–85; from its use in digital communications

Example Sentences

At the IMO, the Cook Islands pressed Iran to confirm reported evidence that "there is a nascent ships registration system being set up for approved vessels to make safe passage through the Strait" of Hormuz.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

Iran's IMO representative declined the opportunity to respond.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

After a period sailing under the false identity Sea Shell, using a different stolen IMO number, the Gale again changed identities, re-emerging as Beeta and loading a cargo of Iranian oil on 31 January.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

The number of falsely flagged ships globally more than doubled last year to over 450, according to the IMO, the BBC reported in November.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

The IMO is a proponent of a technology to apply encrypted "digital signatures" to electronic bills of lading.

From Crime and Corruption by Vaknin, Samuel