1. a rod used to measure the depth or amount of liquid in a container, especially oil in a car engine
2. a foolish or incompetent person
Usage: informal; mildly derogatory

Examples

• Check the oil level with the dipstick before starting the engine.
• The mechanic pulled out the dipstick to see if the car needed more oil.
• Insert the dipstick fully into the oil reservoir for an accurate reading.
• The fuel tank has a dipstick to measure how much gas remains.
• Don’t be such a dipstick – read the instructions first.
• That dipstick forgot to turn off the headlights again.