# dipped

/ˈdɪpt/ (US) · /dˈɪpt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dipped
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. put into liquid

verb · CEFR B1

put something quickly into a liquid and then took it out.

For teachers: immersed something briefly in a liquid, often to coat it or clean it.

- She dipped the strawberries into melted chocolate for the party.
- The artisan dipped the fabric into the indigo vat several times to achieve the desired depth of colour.

### 2. moved downward

verb · CEFR B2

moved down to a lower level for a short time.

For teachers: dropped or sloped downwards briefly before returning to a previous level or continuing.

- The sun dipped below the horizon as we finished our walk.
- The aircraft dipped suddenly when it hit a pocket of turbulence, causing a brief moment of alarm among the passengers.

### 3. coated in something

adjective · CEFR B1

covered in a thin layer of something, like chocolate or paint.

For teachers: having been briefly immersed in a substance to create a coating.

- I bought some chocolate-dipped biscuits at the bakery.
- The manufacturer provided dipped galvanized steel components to ensure the structure would resist corrosion in the humid environment.

### 4. lowered headlights

adjective · CEFR B2 · British English

when a car's front lights are pointed down so they do not blind other drivers.

For teachers: referring to vehicle headlights adjusted to a lower beam to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.

- You should use dipped headlights when driving through the city at night.
- The driver quickly switched to dipped beams as the first car appeared on the narrow country lane.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun 'headlights' or 'beams'.

## Examples

- She dipped the bread into the soup.
- He dipped the paintbrush into the blue can before starting the wall.
- The chef dipped the raw chicken into the seasoned flour, ensuring every piece was coated evenly before frying.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.