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.
—
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.
—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.
—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
See More
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.
—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.
—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
See More
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 5 Dec. 2023.
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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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