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

There are chips, corn chip dippers, and mini pretzel nuggets all crushed and covered in milk chocolate. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2025

The double-dipper was fined 500 euros (around $540) and received a lifetime ban from visiting the fountain. —Moná Thomas, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025

The rest of them only survived because Victor was a double-dipper and therefore had the fondue to himself. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Serve with endive cups for the best elegant dipper. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dipper

• chipper
• clipper
• flipper
• gripper
• kipper
• nipper
• ripper
• shipper
• skipper
• slipper
• stripper
• tipper

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