dipper

noun

dip·​per ˈdi-pər 

1

: one that dips: such as

a

: a worker who dips articles

b

: something (such as a long-handled cup) used for dipping

c

slang : pickpocket

2

: any of a genus (Cinclus and especially C. cinclus of the Old World and C. mexicanus of North America) of birds that comprise an oscine family (Cinclidae) and include individuals that wade and dive into swift mountain streams in search of food

called also water ouzel

3

capitalized : a group of stars that resembles a dipper: such as

a

: big dipper

b

: little dipper

dipperful

ˈdi-pər-ˌfu̇l 

noun

Synonyms

• ladle
• scoop
• spoon

Examples of dipper in a Sentence

the metal dipper left in the stew pot was too hot to touch

Recent Examples on the Web

From the Big Dipper, trace a line away from the handle through the two stars that form the top of the dipper’s bowl, and that will point at Capella. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024

How to Make Gourd Snakes Most snakes can climb a tree and slither from limb to limb with ease—especially ones made from long-neck dipper gourds. —Beverly Rivers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2024

Once softened, use the wick dipper to scrape the wax off the sides and into the center of the candle. —Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 27 July 2024

The bag contained not only the dippers (plus the Baja chipotle and honey-mustard sauces), but a Footlong Cookie and a Turkey Titan, their most popular sub. —Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dipper

noun

dip·​per ˈdip-ər 

1

: one that dips

especially : something (as a long-handled cup) used for dipping

2

: any of several birds that dive into streams in search of food

called also water ouzel

3

capitalized

a

: the seven major stars of Ursa Major arranged in a form resembling a dipper

called also Big Dipper

b

: the seven major stars in Ursa Minor similarly arranged with the North Star forming the outer end of the handle

called also Little Dipper

dipperful

-ˌfu̇l 

noun