dipper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to technical, depending on sense. The bird sense is naturalist/technical; the ladle sense is everyday; the asterism sense is informal.
Quick answer
What does “dipper” mean?
A small, stocky, aquatic bird that dives into fast-flowing streams to feed, or a ladle or cup used for dipping.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, stocky, aquatic bird that dives into fast-flowing streams to feed, or a ladle or cup used for dipping.
A person or thing that dips. In astronomy, a nickname for the Big Dipper or Little Dipper asterisms. In slang, a pickpocket. In mining, a worker who dips sheep or ore. In North America, a member of certain Baptist groups practicing full-immersion baptism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'dipper' most commonly refers to the bird (Cinclus cinclus). In the US, it most commonly refers to the asterism (Big Dipper) or a ladle. The bird is also found in North America (American dipper, Cinclus mexicanus) but is less culturally prominent.
Connotations
UK: Primarily rustic/natural world. US: Primarily culinary or celestial (informal astronomy).
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to the bird's cultural presence. In US English, 'Big Dipper' is very common; 'ladle' is more common than 'dipper' for the utensil.
Grammar
How to Use “dipper” in a Sentence
[the] + dipper + [of + NP] (the dipper of the ladle)[Adj] + dipper (the white-throated dipper)[NP] + dipper (chocolate dipper, ore dipper)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dipper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb. The verb is 'to dip'.)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb. The verb is 'to dip'.)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as an adjective.)
American English
- (Not standard as an adjective.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in manufacturing (e.g., 'chocolate dipper machine').
Academic
Used in ornithology, astronomy, and religious history.
Everyday
Used for the kitchen utensil or referring to the Big Dipper constellation.
Technical
Specific term in ornithology for birds of the genus Cinclus.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dipper”
- Using 'dipper' for a deep frying basket (fryer basket). Confusing 'dipper' (bird) with 'diver' (loon/grebe). Capitalising incorrectly: 'big dipper' vs. 'Big Dipper'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a low-frequency word overall. Its commonality depends on the sense and region: 'Big Dipper' is common in US English; the bird 'dipper' is better known in UK English.
Yes, but this is archaic British slang, not used in modern everyday language.
They are often synonymous. 'Dipper' can imply a smaller, often cup-shaped utensil for dipping into a substance (like chocolate), while a 'ladle' is typically larger and bowl-shaped for serving soups or stews.
No, it is an asterism—a recognizable pattern of stars—within the larger constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear).
A small, stocky, aquatic bird that dives into fast-flowing streams to feed, or a ladle or cup used for dipping.
Dipper is usually neutral to technical, depending on sense. the bird sense is naturalist/technical; the ladle sense is everyday; the asterism sense is informal. in register.
Dipper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪpə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He's] a bit of a dipper. (slang: pickpocket)”
- “Mind your manners at the Dippers'. (historical religious reference)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bird DIPPing its ER-head into the water. Or, a big bear (Ursa Major) using a DIPPER to drink from the Milky Way.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMERSION IS KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE (e.g., 'a dipper into the stream of consciousness'); A GUIDE IS A DIPPER (e.g., the Big Dipper points to the North Star).
Practice
Quiz
In a traditional British context, what is a 'dipper' most likely to be?