noun
dipstick
DIHPS-tihk
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
Word Forms
dipsticked past tense, dipsticks plural, dipsticks singular
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He pulled out the _____ to check the oil level.