dexterity

noun

dex·​ter·​i·​ty dek-ˈster-ə-tē How to pronounce dexterity (audio)
-ˈste-rə-
plural dexterities
1
: readiness and grace in physical activity
especially : skill and ease in using the hands
manual dexterity
2
: mental skill or quickness : adroitness

Examples of dexterity in a Sentence

Russ Cellan, Ferguson's coach at Freeport (New York) High, and Ron Prince, his former offensive line coach at Virginia, both attribute Ferguson's dexterity and footwork to his extensive martial arts training … Nunyo Demasio, Sports Illustrated, 10 Apr. 2006
The Carcanet volume also offers its readers the advantage of seeing the German originals alongside the English, enabling them to perceive at a glance how much sympathy and linguistic dexterity Elliot has brought to the difficult but rewarding task of introducing a new generation of English readers to Heine's tragic but wonderfully vigorous and vivid late poetry. S. S. Prawer, Times Literary Supplement, 28 Sept. - 4 Oct. 1990
But the mayor showed considerable political dexterity in the days following the fire, taking care to distance himself from on-site decisions while accepting full responsibility for the bombing itself. He made himself available to reporters, met with people from the fire-ravaged neighborhood, and was gracious enough not to blame subordinates. Amy Wilentz, Time, 27 May 1985
The job requires manual dexterity. He has the dexterity needed to deal cards quickly. The amazing dexterity of the acrobat. He's a teacher known for his imagination and verbal dexterity.
Recent Examples on the Web The human verbally validates the assumption and asks Figure 01 to do just that, demonstrating incredible dexterity and precision in picking up the cup first and flipping it upside down before putting it in its place. Matt Novak / Gizmodo, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 Rakim’s rapping on Paid in Full set the precedent for other MCs to follow, with his lyrical dexterity and hypnotic cadence. Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 27 Feb. 2024 Input Methods: What sets the Vision Pro apart is its intuitive input methods, utilizing eyes, hands, and voice in a way that no other headset has achieved with such smoothness, dexterity, and subtlety. Sanjit Singh Dang, Phd, Forbes, 9 Feb. 2024 Recently, she’s exercised even more of her music dexterity. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 7 Dec. 2023 It can be used by babies, toddlers, and older kids alike, although babies may not have the dexterity to push the bubbles. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024 Its magnetic closure is one of the easiest for anyone with limited mobility and dexterity to fasten, and its straps adjust in the front (no need to paw around on your back). Malia Griggs, Glamour, 28 Feb. 2024 The show boasts a fantasy world set in the Forgotten Realms, puzzles, combat, riddles and opportunities for audience members to join the cast onstage and test their strength (or dexterity, or wisdom or charisma). Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Feb. 2024 Gosling is the unmovable center of gravity in these films, leaning into the kind of star image that had worked for his Blade Runner scene partner, Harrison Ford, but made little use of the supporting charm and dexterity that put Gosling in his own echelon of present-day actors. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dexterity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French dexterité, from Latin dexteritat-, dexteritas, from dexter — see dexterous

First Known Use

1518, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of dexterity was in 1518

Dictionary Entries Near dexterity

Cite this Entry

“Dexterity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dexterity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dexterity

noun
dex·​ter·​i·​ty dek-ˈster-ət-ē How to pronounce dexterity (audio)
plural dexterities
1
: mental skill or quickness
2
: ease and grace in physical activity
especially : skill and ease in using the hands

Medical Definition

dexterity

noun
dex·​ter·​i·​ty dek-ˈster-ət-ē How to pronounce dexterity (audio)
plural dexterities
1
: readiness and grace in physical activity
especially : skill and ease in using the hands
2
: mental skill or quickness

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