dipper

dip·per

noun \ˈdi-pər\

Definition of DIPPER

1

: one that dips: as

a : a worker who dips articles

b : something (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: as

a : big dipper

b : little dipper

— dip·per·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

Examples of DIPPER

1. <the metal dipper left in the stew pot was too hot to touch>

First Known Use of DIPPER

1611

Related to DIPPER

Synonyms

spoon, ladle, scoop

Related Words

skimmer; dessertspoon, soupspoon, tablespoon, teaspoon

Rhymes with DIPPER

chipper, clipper, dripper, flipper, gripper, kipper, quipper, nipper, ripper, shipper, sipper, skipper, slipper, snipper, stripper, tipper, tripper, whipper, zipper

dipper

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Eurasian dipper (Cinclus cinclus)—H.M. Barnfather—Bruce Coleman Inc.

Any of five songbird species in the genus Cinclus (family Cinclidae), noted for hunting insects by walking underwater in rushing streams. The species are widely distributed in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North and South America. Dippers are plump, stub-tailed birds, about 7 in. (18 cm) long, with a thrushlike bill and legs. They are commonly blackish brown or dull gray. They nest in a dome of moss built in a crevice, often behind a waterfall. See also ouzel.

Variants of DIPPER

dipper or water ouzel