1. graduated rods used to measure the depth or level of liquid in a container, especially oil in a car engine
2. test strips that change color when dipped in liquid to indicate chemical properties or presence of substances
Usage: medical; scientific
3. foolish or incompetent people
Usage: slang; informal; mildly offensive

Examples

• Check the oil level using the dipsticks before starting the engine.
• The mechanic pulled out the dipsticks to inspect the transmission fluid.
• Medical dipsticks can detect glucose levels in urine samples.
• The lab technician used dipsticks to test the water quality.
• Those dipsticks forgot to lock the door again.
• Don’t be such dipsticks and follow the instructions carefully.
• The dipsticks showed that the oil needed to be changed soon.