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

You can use the Big Dipper to find Polaris, the North Star, which, by the way, is the tail end of the handle of the Little Dipper.

From Literature

On Saturday, the night of the new moon and thus the darkest skies, the comet came close to Draco — the dragon-shaped constellation that runs between the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper.

From New York Times

“On the nights of Jan. 26 and Jan. 27, it can be conveniently found passing several degrees to the east of the bowl of the Little Dipper,” writes Space.com.

From Washington Post

On Jan. 21, the night of the new moon and thus the darkest skies, the comet will be close to Draco — the dragon-shaped constellation that runs between the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper.

From New York Times

Look to the northwest as it moves through the constellations of the Big Dipper and Little Dipper.

From Seattle Times