dipstick

noun

dip·​stick ˈdip-ˌstik 

1

: a graduated rod for indicating depth (as of oil in a crankcase)

2

[euphemism for dipshit] : nitwit

3

: a chemically sensitive strip of paper used to identify one or more constituents (such as glucose or protein) of urine by immersion

Synonyms

• berk [British]
• booby
• charlie [British]
• charley
• cuckoo
• ding-a-ling
• ding-dong
• dingbat
• doofus [slang]
• featherhead
• fool
• git [British]
• goose
• half-wit
• jackass
• lunatic
• mooncalf
• nincompoop
• ninny
• ninnyhammer
• nit [chiefly British]
• nitwit
• nut
• nutcase
• simp
• simpleton
• turkey
• yo-yo

Examples of dipstick in a Sentence

Some dipstick cut in front of me on the highway.

which dipstick used the good china as a dog dish?

Recent Examples on the Web

Step 6: Add New Oil: Add new oil to the lawn mower, then use the dipstick to ensure the oil is at the correct level before screwing the oil cap back into placing and wiping away any oil that may have spilled. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024

To check, simply pull out the dipstick. —Paul Stenquist, New York Times, 26 Sep. 2020

No longer is there a dipstick. —Bob Weber, chicagotribune.com, 21 Oct. 2021

The results could be read using a paper dipstick. —Walter Isaacson, STAT, 5 Mar. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dipstick

noun

dip·​stick ˈdip-ˌstik 

: a rod with marks for indicating depth (as of the oil in an automobile)

Medical Definition

dipstick

noun

dip·​stick ˈdip-ˌstik 

: a chemically sensitive strip of paper used to identify one or more constituents (as glucose or protein) of urine by immersion