MCP — Model Context Protocol

Definition: An open standard that lets AI models connect to tools and data sources through a common interface. MCP is to AI integrations what USB was to peripherals — one plug, many tools.

Example

Wrapping our internal APIs in MCP servers cut the time to ship a new agent capability from a sprint to an afternoon.

When you'll hear it

MCP shows up most often in AI strategy reviews, model evaluation discussions, and product roadmap meetings. When someone uses it, they're usually referring to model context protocol — and they expect the room to already know what that means.

FAQs

What does MCP stand for?

MCP stands for Model Context Protocol.

What does MCP mean in AI and machine-learning?

An open standard that lets AI models connect to tools and data sources through a common interface. MCP is to AI integrations what USB was to peripherals — one plug, many tools.

Where will I hear MCP used at work?

MCP comes up most often in AI strategy reviews, model evaluation discussions, and product roadmap meetings. It's used as shorthand for model context protocol, so people assume you already know the term.