noun
dipstick
DIHPS-tihk
Dipstick (noun) means a rod used to measure the level of a fluid, such as oil in an engine. Example: “He pulled out the dipstick to check the oil level.”
noun
1
A rod used to measure the level of a fluid, such as oil in an engine.
"He pulled out the dipstick to check the oil level."
2
(informal) A foolish or stupid person.
"Only a dipstick would forget the tickets at home."
How to use dipstick
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tool for checking fluid levels in a car engine — also used informally as a mild insult.
Common pairings
oil dipstick
check the dipstick
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Word forms
- Plural
- dipsticks
- Third person singular
- dipsticks
- Past tense
- dipsticked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He pulled out the _____ to check the oil level.
Etymology
Formed from dip and stick.
Rhymes for dipstick
See all rhymes for dipstick →Frequently asked questions
What does “dipstick” mean?
The word “dipstick” means a rod used to measure the level of a fluid, such as oil in an engine. In plain terms, a tool for checking fluid levels in a car engine — also used informally as a mild insult.
How do you pronounce “dipstick”?
“Dipstick” is pronounced DIHPS-tihk (/ˈdɪpstɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “dipstick” in a sentence?
Here is “dipstick” used in a sentence: “He pulled out the dipstick to check the oil level.”
What part of speech is “dipstick”?
“Dipstick” is a noun.
How many meanings does “dipstick” have?
“Dipstick” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rod used to measure the level of a fluid, such as oil in an engine.
