dexterity
noun
dex·ter·i·ty
dek-ˈster-ə-tē 
-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.
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
This convenient design has been a staple for many years, especially for hearing aid users with dexterity challenges, low vision, or blindness, providing a straightforward way to change batteries without frustration or confusion.
—Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The video of him driving with his feet, which has now been viewed more than 8 million times on TikTok, showcases his immense dexterity.
—Sara Belcher, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Our hands had lost all dexterity and the cold was seeping into our torsos.
—Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 30 Jan. 2025
This provides them far more freedom of movement than a tail, and allows octopuses to demonstrate remarkable dexterity.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dexterity
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Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The video of him driving with his feet, which has now been viewed more than 8 million times on TikTok, showcases his immense dexterity.
—Sara Belcher, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Our hands had lost all dexterity and the cold was seeping into our torsos.
—Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 30 Jan. 2025
This provides them far more freedom of movement than a tail, and allows octopuses to demonstrate remarkable dexterity.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dexterity
Articles Related to dexterity
Cite this Entry
“Dexterity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dexterity. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dexterity
noun
dex·ter·i·ty
dek-ˈster-ət-ē
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
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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