Little Dipper

American  

noun

Astronomy.

1. the group of seven bright stars in Ursa Minor resembling a dipper in outline.

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Little Dipper British  

noun

1. Also known as: Ursa Minor.   the Bear.   the Little Bear.  a small faint constellation, the brightest star of which is the Pole Star, lying 1° from the true celestial pole

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Little Dipper Scientific  

/ lĭt′l /

1. An asterism composed of seven stars in the constellation Ursa Minor that form the outline of a dipper.

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Etymology

Origin of Little Dipper

First recorded in 1835–45

Compare meaning

How does little-dipper compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Big Dipper vs. Little Dipper

Example Sentences

Look to the northwest as it moves through the constellations of the Big Dipper and Little Dipper.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 9, 2023

This model also includes an additional 16-ounce "Little Dipper warmer" perfect for ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or drawn butter to serve alongside your favorite slow cooker dish.

From Salon • Oct. 18, 2021

With Polaris in your sights you now have the handle of the Little Dipper.

From New York Times • Oct. 29, 2020

The cantata, which lasts 79 minutes, is in 14 short movements that examine in unforeseen fashion the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, or to most of us, the Big and Little Dipper.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2019

You can use the Big Dipper to find Polaris, the North Star, which, by the way, is the tail end of the handle of the Little Dipper.

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein