IoT Definitions

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects—“things”—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. These devices range from ordinary household objects to sophisticated industrial tools. With more than 7 billion connected IoT devices today, experts are expecting this number to grow to 10 billion by 2020 and 22 billion by 2025.
https://www.oracle.com/internet-of-things/what-is-iot/

It's your equipment, machines, products, and devices that are connected to the cloud and outfitted to collect and securely transmit data.
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/overview/internet-of-things-iot/what-is-the-internet-of-things/

The IoT can be described as an extension of the internet and other network connections to different sensors and devices — or “things” — affording even simple objects, such as lightbulbs, locks, and vents,  a higher degree of computing and analytical capabilities.
Interoperability is one of the key aspects of the IoT that contribute to its growing popularity. Connected or “smart” devices — as “things” in the IoT are often called — have the ability to gather and share data from their environments with other devices and networks. Through the analysis and processing of the data, devices can perform their functions with little or no need for human interaction.
https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/definition/internet-of-things

In a nutshell, the Internet of Things is the concept of connecting any device (so long as it has an on/off switch) to the Internet and to other connected devices. The IoT is a giant network of connected things and people – all of which collect and share data about the way they are used and about the environment around them.
https://www.ibm.com/blogs/internet-of-things/what-is-the-iot/