IOT

What does IOT stand for?

Internet of Things

IoT is a term that describes everyday physical devices that connect to the Internet and can collect, share, or respond to data. These devices can include smart speakers, fitness trackers, home security cameras, smart thermostats, appliances, vehicles, and industrial equipment. Instead of existing as standalone gadgets, IoT devices can communicate with apps, cloud services, and other connected systems to automate tasks, provide information, or improve efficiency.

Kevin Ashton coined the term "Internet of Things" in 1999 while working on supply chain technology at Procter & Gamble. Although connected devices existed before then, the concept became widely popular during the 2010s as smartphones, wireless networks, and affordable sensors made it easier to connect everyday objects.

Today, technology companies, businesses, engineers, and consumers commonly use "IoT" to refer to smart homes, automation, data-driven services, and the growing world of connected devices. It has become a familiar tech term, even among non-techies, for the idea that even ordinary objects can become a little "smarter" when they can communicate online.

Example

my thermostat changes the temperature automatically now
nice, did you set that up with an app?
yep, it’s part of my smart home setup
sounds like you’re getting into iot
IoT spreads across many environments
IoT spreads across many environments

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Updated July 7, 2026

IoT definition by Slang.net - The Slang Dictionary

This page explains what the acronym "IoT" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been manually compiled and written by the Slang.net team.

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