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dipstick
noun
dip·stick
ˈdip-ˌstik
1
: a graduated rod for indicating depth (as of oil in a crankcase)
2
[euphemism for dipshit]
: nitwit
3
: a chemically sensitive strip of paper used to identify one or more constituents (such as glucose or protein) of urine by immersion
Synonyms
Examples of dipstick in a Sentence
Some dipstick cut in front of me on the highway.
which dipstick used the good china as a dog dish?
Recent Examples on the Web
To check, simply pull out the dipstick.
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Paul Stenquist, New York Times, 26 Sep. 2020
No longer is there a dipstick.
—
Bob Weber, chicagotribune.com, 21 Oct. 2021
The results could be read using a paper dipstick.
—
Walter Isaacson, STAT, 5 Mar. 2021
The correct level will be indicated on the dipstick.
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Paul Stenquist, New York Times, 26 Sep. 2020
Forry pulled out the oil dipstick and waved it in the air.
—
Oliver Whang, The New Yorker, 23 May 2022
Gilbert compares individual antibody titers with a dipstick for oil in a car.
—
Tasnim Ahmed, CNN, 22 Mar. 2022
The task of periodically checking the liquids was typically carried out by a young Russian who climbed on top of the tanks with a dipstick.
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Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2022
My 2019 Alfa, with a 2-liter engine, doesn’t have a dipstick to check the oil level.
—
Ray Magliozzi, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Dec. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dipstick.' 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
1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Articles Related to dipstick
Dictionary Entries Near dipstick
Cite this Entry
“Dipstick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dipstick. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
dipstick
noun
dip·stick
ˈdip-ˌstik
: a rod with marks for indicating depth (as of the oil in an automobile)
Medical Definition
dipstick
noun
dip·stick
ˈdip-ˌstik
: a chemically sensitive strip of paper used to identify one or more constituents (as glucose or protein) of urine by immersion
More from Merriam-Webster on dipstick
Britannica English: Translation of dipstick for Arabic Speakers
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