First Known Use: 1518
Dictionary
dexterity
noun dex·ter·i·ty \dek-ˈster-ə-tē, -ˈste-rə-\
: the ability to use your hands skillfully
: the ability to easily move in a way that is graceful
: clever skill : the ability to think and act quickly and cleverly
plural dex·ter·i·ties
Full Definition of DEXTERITY
1
: mental skill or quickness : adroitness
2
: readiness and grace in physical activity; especially : skill and ease in using the hands <manual dexterity>
See dexterity defined for English-language learners
See dexterity defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of DEXTERITY
- 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
- [+]more
Origin of DEXTERITY
Middle French or Latin; Middle French dexterité, from Latin dexteritat-, dexteritas, from dexter (see dexterous)
Related to DEXTERITY
- Synonyms
- adroitness, cleverness, finesse, sleight
DEXTERITY Defined for Kids
dexterity
noun dex·ter·i·ty \dek-ˈster-ə-tē\
plural dex·ter·i·ties
Definition of DEXTERITY for Kids
1
: skill and ease in the use of the hands or body
2
: the ability to think and act quickly and cleverly
Medical Dictionary
dexterity
noun dex·ter·i·ty \dek-ˈster-ət-ē\
plural dex·ter·i·ties
Medical Definition of DEXTERITY
1
: readiness and grace in physical activity; especially : skill and ease in using the hands
2
: mental skill or quickness
Learn More About DEXTERITY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: dexterousPrevious Word in the Dictionary: dexter chief pointAll Words Near: dexterity
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up dexterity? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).