dipper

noun

dip·​per ˈdi-pər How to pronounce dipper (audio)
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
dipperful noun

Examples of dipper in a Sentence

the metal dipper left in the stew pot was too hot to touch
Recent Examples on the Web Use as a bread dipper or drizzle lightly over roasted veggies. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2024 What To Serve With Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip This creamy and chunky dip is delicious with slices of crusty bread or baguette, but pretzel chips or even tortilla chips are good dippers, too. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2023 In their raw form, bell peppers make a perfect dipper as well as add a satisfying crunch to fresh salads. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2023 But from that point, they are made to have some fun with, as far as dippers and sides. Aly Walansky, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 When he’s finished in the goat sheds, Dr. Getachew wades into sewage ponds and drainage ditches with a dipper, looking for larval stephensi, which are easier to spot. Stephanie Nolen Tiksa Negeri, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2023 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, 31 Aug. 2023 The kit also includes a wick dipper and a cute carrying pouch. Samantha Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2023 Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming, Idaho, Montana Birds of Yellowstone National Park: Bald eagle, American white pelican, Canada geese, Common loon, Osprey, Sandhill crane, Trumpeter swan and American dipper. Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 29 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dipper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dipper was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near dipper

Cite this Entry

“Dipper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dipper. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dipper

noun
dip·​per ˈdip-ər How to pronounce dipper (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dipper

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