abbreviation

MVP

em-vee-PEE

MVP (abbreviation) means Most valuable player, the competitor judged to have contributed most to a team's performance in a game, season or tournament. Example: “She was named MVP of the final after scoring 32 points.”

abbreviation

Most valuable player, the competitor judged to have contributed most to a team's performance in a game, season or tournament.

"She was named MVP of the final after scoring 32 points."

"He has won the league MVP award twice."

Minimum viable product, the simplest working version of a product that can be released to test whether people actually want it.

"We shipped an MVP in six weeks and let the feedback guide the roadmap."

"Their MVP was a single landing page and a signup form."

noun

informal Informally, the person who was most useful or made the biggest difference in any situation.

"Whoever brought the extra chargers is the MVP of this trip."

How to Use MVP

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe star performer, or the simplest first version of a product.

When to use it

Sports and startup senses are both standard; the casual compliment is informal.

Memory tip

Say 'an MVP', not 'a MVP', because M is pronounced 'em'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

prototype → proof of concept POTY

Common pairings

named MVP MVP award launch an MVP build an MVP

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She was named _____ of the final after scoring 32 points.

Etymology

An initialism of most valuable player in the sporting sense, and of minimum viable product in the business sense.

Origin: English

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MVP stand for in business?

Minimum viable product. It is a deliberately stripped-back release built to test the core idea with real users quickly and cheaply, before spending on features nobody has asked for.

What is the difference between an MVP and a prototype?

A prototype is a mock-up used internally to explore how something could look or work, and it usually is not for sale. An MVP is a real, working product released to actual users, however basic.

Why do people call someone the MVP casually?

It borrows the sporting award as praise. Calling a friend the MVP means they did the single most helpful thing, and it is warm rather than competitive.