Little Dipper

noun

, Astronomy.

1. the group of seven bright stars in Ursa Minor resembling a dipper in outline.

Little Dipper

noun

1. the Little Dipper
   a small faint constellation, the brightest star of which is the Pole Star, lying 1° from the true celestial pole Also known asUrsa Minorthe Bearthe Little Bear

Little Dipper

/ lĭt′l /

1. An asterism composed of seven stars in the constellation Ursa Minor that form the outline of a dipper.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Little Dipper¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Therefore sailors choose the two brighter stars in the end of the cup of the Little Dipper, and watch them, for an hour-hand.

From Project Gutenberg

The Little Dipper, as an address for the use of mortals, struck him as rather remote.

From Project Gutenberg

Beyond question, she was the girl of the Little Dipper; there was no mistaking her.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, those two stars are in the outer rim of the Little Dipper.

From Project Gutenberg

I myself have seen the Little Dipper at noonday in that manner.

From Project Gutenberg