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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 notes

In 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

Word forms

dipsticked past tense, dipsticks plural, dipsticks singular

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He pulled out the _____ to check the oil level.

Etymology

From dip + stick.

Rhymes for dipstick

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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.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from Wiktionary