Word
IPO
Phoneticsipo
Definitions
01initial public offering
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Business Technical
n. Stands for Initial Public Offering. This is when a company sells shares to the public for the first time to raise money.
n. Abbreviation for Initial Public Offering. The first sale of stock by a private company to the public, typically to raise capital for expansion.
“The tech company's IPO was very successful, and its stock price doubled on the first day.”
“Following months of speculation, the startup finally filed for its IPO, seeking a valuation of over two billion dollars.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'file for', 'launch', or 'undergo'.
Synonyms
02to go public
C1 · Advanced Business Technical · Informal
v. to start selling shares on the stock market for the first time.
v. To undergo an initial public offering; to transition from a private to a publicly traded entity.
“Many small companies hope to IPO within five years of starting their business.”
“The board of directors debated whether to IPO during a period of market volatility or wait for more stable conditions.”
Usage
Used both transitively and intransitively in business contexts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03Intellectual Property Office
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Law Technical · Formal
n. Stands for Intellectual Property Office. This is the official government department that handles patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
n. Abbreviation for Intellectual Property Office. The official government body responsible for granting and administering intellectual property rights.
“The inventor submitted his new design to the IPO to protect his idea.”
“Legal counsel advised the firm to register the new brand name with the IPO immediately to prevent infringement by competitors.”
Teaching tip
This sense is less common than the financial one; context usually makes the distinction clear.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The initial public offering (IPO) is being backed by Wall Street investment giants Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan.” “In the highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO), the Chinese firm's shares opened at 1,100 yuan (£120.60; $163.12), well above the 150.8 yuan offer price.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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