Big Dipper

noun

, Astronomy.

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

big dipper

¹

noun

1. (in amusement parks) a narrow railway with open carriages that run swiftly over a route of sharp curves and steep inclines Also calledroller coaster

Big Dipper

²

noun

1. the US and Canadian name for Plough

Big Dipper

1. An asterism composed of seven stars in the constellation Ursa Major. Four stars form the bowl and three form the handle in the outline of a dipper.

Big Dipper

1. A constellation in the northern sky. The two stars on the far end of the bowl of the dipper point toward the North Star . The Big Dipper is part of the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Big Dipper¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

It tells you the government has been a reluctant passenger on this big dipper of market volatility that it strapped itself and the rest of us into.

From BBC

There, Photinus pyralis — also known as the big dipper firefly, for the dipping J-shape path the beetle makes as it flies — remains a common sight at dusk.

From Washington Post

Melting permafrost is buckling roads into potentially deadly big dipper rollercoasters, as well as threatening to dislodge doses of locked-up mercury.

From The Guardian

Start at dusk in June to see big dipper fireflies and the pink mountains.

From Wall Street Journal

Now it’s like being on a big dipper with no safety belt, for about five years.

From The Guardian