dipstick
Americannoun
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a rod for measuring the depth of a liquid; especially, a thin metal rod used to measure the oil level in the crankcase of an automotive engine.
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Slang. fool; jerk.
noun
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a graduated rod or strip dipped into a container to indicate the fluid level
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slang a fool
Etymology
Origin of dipstick
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The firm could have done with a "dipstick test" with loyal customers to see whether such a design would resonate with them, Wong said.
From BBC • May 30, 2026
The company says heat and pressure can build up in the transmission, expelling fluid from the dipstick tube.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 17, 2022
The task of periodically checking the liquids was typically carried out by a young Russian who climbed on top of the tanks with a dipstick.
From Washington Post • Mar. 19, 2022
But we do like to check in on how things are progressing, which means occasionally pulling the dipstick on the oil pan.
From Fox News • Mar. 26, 2020
How many chances do you get to show that the guy who runs the entire city school system is an even bigger dipstick than you are?
From "Ungifted" by Gordon Korman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
