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• Big Dipper
  Big Dipper

  noun

  the group of seven bright stars in Ursa Major resembling a dipper in outline.
• big dipper
  big dipper

  noun

  (in amusement parks) a narrow railway with open carriages that run swiftly over a route of sharp curves and steep inclines

Big Dipper

American  

noun

Astronomy.

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

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big dipper ¹ British  

noun

1. Also called: roller coaster.  (in amusement parks) a narrow railway with open carriages that run swiftly over a route of sharp curves and steep inclines

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Big Dipper ² British  

noun

1. the US and Canadian name for Plough

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Big Dipper Scientific  

1. An asterism composed of seven stars in the constellation Ursa Major. Four stars form the bowl and three form the handle in the outline of a dipper.

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Big Dipper Cultural  

1. A constellation in the northern sky. The two stars on the far end of the bowl of the dipper point toward the North Star. The Big Dipper is part of the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear).

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Etymology

Origin of Big Dipper

First recorded in 1865–70

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

• Big Dipper vs. Little Dipper

Example Sentences

Another favorite is "The Big Dipper," my take on a French Dip.

From Salon • May 28, 2024

Though the MOM studio is in Los Angeles, many queens record their shows remotely, something non-drag producer Big Dipper said contributed to the network’s popularity, especially during COVID.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2023

After the Big Dipper was expanded in 1934, Hollywood movie star Marlene Dietrich went for a ride.

From BBC • Aug. 23, 2023

The easily identifiable Big Dipper represents the bear’s rear torso and tail, with the other stars of the constellation mapping out its long nose and legs.

From National Geographic • Aug. 23, 2023

“But we don’t need them for what we’re going to see now. I’m going to show you how to tell time by the Big Dipper and the North Star. Can you find the Dipper?”

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham