: to immerse something into a processing liquid or finishing material
2
a
: to suddenly drop down or out of sight
b
of an airplane: to drop suddenly before climbing
c
: to decline or decrease moderately and usually temporarily
prices dipped
d
: to lower the body momentarily especially as part of an athletic or dancing motion
3
: to withdraw a part of the contents of something by or as if by reaching down inside it—used with into
dipped into his pocket for changedipped into the family's savings
4
: to examine or read something casually or superficially—used with into
dip into a book
5
: to incline downward from the plane of the horizon
6
: to use dipping tobacco: to place a pinch of tobacco between the lip or cheek and gum
Four years ago doctors removed a pre-cancerous lesion on the inside of his lower lip, and he can't quit dipping. His New Year's resolution was to quit. He lasted three days. Rick Reilly
7
US slang: to leave especially suddenly or prematurely
I didn't know anyone at the party so I dipped.
—often used with out
On Saturday night, as I'm dipping out early on the decidedly tame afterparty …, I pass one of the models hired by E11even, the Miami nightclub. Zoë BernardSome actors dip out and pursue a new career while they're young, and others keep going until they can no longer find roles that interest them. Kristen HarrisAmong the diverse crop of winners was Doja Cat, who took home her first ever Grammy in the pop category—which she had to sprint back to accept after dipping out of the gala for a bathroom break. — trtworld.com"He's been there for me through my darkest times. I'm not just gonna dip out and abandon him when he needs me most." Dillon Passage, quoted at vanityfair.com
Verb Use a ladle to dip some water out of the pot. dipping water from a well The sun dipped below the horizon. The road dips over the hill. I saw his head dip below the surface of the water.
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English dippen, from Old English dyppan; akin to Old High German tupfen to wash, Lithuanian dubus deep