MCP is a three-letter acronym with multiple meanings across various fields. The most prominent contemporary usage refers to the Model Context Protocol, but the acronym has many other established definitions.
Model Context Protocol (Computing)
The Model Context Protocol is an open standard and open-source framework introduced by Anthropic in November 2024. It standardizes the way artificial intelligence systems, particularly large language models (LLMs), integrate and share data with external tools, systems, and data sources. MCP provides a standardized interface for reading files, executing functions, and handling contextual prompts.
The protocol distinguishes between MCP hosts (typically AI agents interacting with an LLM), MCP clients (dedicated communication channels), and MCP servers (which provide tools and resources). Communication uses the JSON-RPC 2.0 transport protocol.
Following its announcement, MCP was adopted by major AI providers including OpenAI and Google DeepMind. In December 2025, Anthropic donated the protocol to the Agentic AI Foundation (AAIF), a directed fund under the Linux Foundation.
Other Common Meanings
Computing
- Burroughs MCP – A Unisys/Burroughs computer operating system
- Microsoft Certified Professional – A certification from Microsoft
- Microsoft Certified Partner – An independent company providing Microsoft-related services
- Master Control Program – A computer character from the 1982 film Tron
- Multi-chip Package – A semiconductor packaging technology
Medicine and Biology
- Metacarpophalangeal joint – The joints at the proximal end of the fingers (knuckles)
- Membrane cofactor protein (CD46) – A protein involved in immune regulation
- Methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein – A transmembrane sensor protein in bacteria
- Modified citrus pectin – A form of pectin used in dietary supplements
- Metoclopramide – A medication used to treat nausea and digestive disorders
Organizations and Politics
- Malawi Congress Party – A political party in Malawi
- Malayan Communist Party (1930–1989) – An insurgent faction in Malaya and Singapore
- Malaysian Communist Party (1983–1987) – A political party
Education
- Master of City Planning – A graduate degree in urban planning
Other
- Macapá International Airport (IATA: MCP) – An airport in Brazil
- Microchannel plate – An electron amplification device used in physics
- Minimum convex polygon (or convex hull) – A concept in computational geometry
- Monocalcium phosphate – A salt of calcium and phosphoric acid
- Multi-currency pricing – A financial service allowing goods to be priced in multiple currencies
- Makaa language (ISO 639: mcp) – A Bantu language
