VIP
VIP (noun) means a person who is given special treatment, privileged access or extra security because of their fame, wealth, rank or importance to an event. Example: “The band's manager met us backstage and waved us through as VIPs.”
How to use VIP
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone important enough to get special treatment.
Neutral in general use; in ticketing and nightlife it is a marketing label rather than a real measure of status. Written in capitals, pluralised as VIPs.
Say it as three letters, and use "a VIP" rather than "an VIP" — the V is pronounced "vee".
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The band's manager met us backstage and waved us through as _____.
Etymology
An initialism of very important person.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does VIP stand for?
Very important person. It began as a way of marking guests who needed special handling and is now used for anyone given upgraded access or service.
What is the difference between a VIP and an MVP?
A VIP is important because of who they are — their fame, rank or spending. An MVP is a most valuable player, someone singled out for what they did, usually in sport or on a team project.
Is VIP written with capital letters?
Yes. It is an initialism, so all three letters are capitalised, and the plural is VIPs with no apostrophe.
What is the meaning of VIP?
"VIP" (noun) means a person who is given special treatment, privileged access or extra security because of their fame, wealth, rank or importance to an event.