dipstick

noun

dip·stick | \ ˈdip-ˌstik

Definition of dipstick

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

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

Other heaters include block heaters that bolt electrical elements to the exterior of the engine, oil heaters that take the place of a dipstick and coolant heaters to keep the antifreeze from, well, freezing. — Dwight Adams, Indianapolis Star, "Here's what to do when a car won't start in cold weather," 2 Jan. 2018 The drug identifiers come in a variety of models such as dipsticks and strips, as well as more covert options that look like nail polish, cups, coasters and straws. — Andrea Sachs, chicagotribune.com, "Women who travel share a universal issue: Sexual harassment," 15 Dec. 2017 Drivetrain Check the dipsticks for the engine and transmission. — Mike Allen, Popular Mechanics, "How To Dry Out Your Flooded Car," 27 Aug. 2017 Insert the dipstick back all the way in, and then pull it out and hold it horizontally to read it. — Krista Soriano, Cosmopolitan, "3 Car Things Every Twentysomething Should Know How to Do," 25 Feb. 2016 Cornish also likes the idea of abandoning the dipsticks altogether and making the yeast available as sachets of powder. — Ed Yong, The Atlantic, "Turning Baker’s Yeast Into a Disease Sensor," 18 July 2017 The gasoline engine's oil dipstick was already accessible from the ground. — Terry Troy, cleveland.com, "Ford upgrades its Ohio-made F-650/750 trucks," 21 May 2017 The transmission fluid dipstick has also been moved to provide ground-level access on gasoline models. — Terry Troy, cleveland.com, "Ford upgrades its Ohio-made F-650/750 trucks," 21 May 2017 Your dipstick shows a low level, is the color of institutional linoleum and smells like the bottom of a barbecue pit after a biker wedding. — Automotive Editors, Popular Mechanics, "How to Change Your Transmission Fluid," 8 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dipstick.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.