Dipper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Dipper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can refer to a utensil used for dipping or serving food, or it may refer to the constellation known as the Big Dipper or Little Dipper. Example: "She used a dipper to serve the soup into bowls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The shipping companies want to be ready for it.In this section Washington learns a new language The little dipper Obama oversteps The survivor Crying out for dollars Suffer the children The shipping news Reporting for one last duty ReprintsMr Middlebrook says the rebirth of American heavy manufacturing, led by the automotive industry, has been a bright spot for shipping recently.

The Economist

After about 20 minutes, the group proceeded downstairs, where I discretely rejoined them to visit the actual shrine.In an antechamber at the back of the building, we performed a ritual purification by pouring water on our hands using a traditional bamboo dipper filled from a long stone basin, after which women in white robes presented us with elegant paper towels.

The Economist

A dipper dredge is essentially a power shovel mounted on a barge for marine use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sporadic incidents occur between species when one or both are foraging; a kingfisher may pilfer a food item from a dipper (Cinclus), and a savanna kingfisher will occasionally fly down to seize a grasshopper flushed by a human.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Alcor makes a visual double with the brighter star Mizar in the middle of the handle of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major).

Encyclopedia Britannica

After walking in the pattern of the constellation Ursa Major (the Big Dipper), the priest prostrates himself in a fetal position, with his face resting on his hands, which continue to hold the tablet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In China a handful of configurations show similarity to those of the West, including the scorpion, the lion, the hunter (Orion), and the northern dipper, suggesting the possibility of a very old common tradition for a few groups but otherwise almost complete independence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's a rare treat to hear Martinu's monstrous, multiply-climactic Double Concerto – a real big-dipper ride.

Independent

A lady guide in a Colonial gown explained "Our candle-dipper has just stepped out for her coffee break".

The New Yorker

Elsewhere on the site you discover the reason for the name: "The 7 stars are an allusion to The Big Dipper or The Plough, the auspicious seven star constellation which has guided travellers since ancient times".

The Economist

John Buchan, the British author and then governor-general of Canada, wrote a laudatory introduction to his first volume of short stories, The Pied Piper of Dipper Creek (1939).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about constellations, specify "Big Dipper" or "Little Dipper" for clarity. If referring to the bird, clarify that you mean the bird, as the word has multiple meanings.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the context. For example, use "water dipper" for the utensil or "Big Dipper constellation" when discussing astronomy.

Linguistic Context

The word "dipper" primarily functions as a noun, denoting various entities such as a utensil, a bird (specifically of the genus Cinclus), a constellation (Big Dipper or Little Dipper), or even a person (pickpocket). As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically sound and context-dependent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "dipper" exhibits versatility as a noun, encompassing diverse meanings from a serving utensil to a constellation. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically correct with diverse usages, its communicative purpose adjusts to the context—identifying tools, classifying species, or navigating the night sky. While its register is predominantly neutral, its formality varies based on the source and situation. It appears commonly in News & Media and Encyclopedias, but is also present in Science and The New Yorker. Remember to provide contextual clarity to differentiate between the various meanings, such as referring to "water dipper" when meaning a utensil and "Big Dipper constellation" when talking about astronomy. For alternative phrases, consider ""ladle"" or "scoop".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ladle

Refers to a similar utensil for serving liquids, emphasizing the action of scooping.

scoop

Emphasizes the action of taking something out, but can also refer to the utensil itself.

water dipper

Specifies the use of the dipper, providing more context.

Big Dipper

Specifically refers to the constellation, adding a qualifier.

Ursa Major

The Latin name for the Big Dipper constellation, a more formal alternative.

Plough

British English name for the Big Dipper constellation, regional variation.

pickpocket

A synonym referring to the meaning of the word "dipper" when it is used as someone who steals.

bufflehead

A synonym referring to the meaning of the word "dipper" when it is used as a bird.

NDPer

Refers to a member or supporter of the Canadian New Democratic Party, as a supporter or a member of the same party.

candy maker

Referring to someone who dips candy, highlighting the action of dipping.

FAQs

How to use "dipper" in a sentence?

The word "dipper" can refer to a utensil, a bird, or a constellation. For the utensil: "He used a "ladle" to serve the soup." For the bird: "The "water ouzel" is often found near fast-flowing streams." For the constellation: "The Big "Ursa Major" is a prominent constellation in the northern sky."

What can I say instead of "dipper" when referring to the serving utensil?

You can use alternatives like ""ladle"", "scoop", or "serving spoon" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dipper" or "the dipper"?

Both are correct depending on the context. "Dipper" can refer to any generic dipper, while "the dipper" usually refers to a specific one already mentioned or known in the context. When referring to the Big Dipper constellation, use "the Big Dipper".

What's the difference between "Big Dipper" and "Little Dipper"?

"Big Dipper" (also known as "Ursa Major") and "Little Dipper" (also known as "Ursa Minor") are both constellations. The Big Dipper is larger and more easily visible, while the Little Dipper contains Polaris, the North Star.