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
Koo as Ri is a notable highlight, murdering anyone who stands in his way with the cool dexterity of a concert pianist.
—Robert Daniels, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Every single one is steeped in tradition and local ingredients, yet presented in a modern style that speaks to the vision and dexterity of the kitchen staff.
—Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
That pertains not just to the dexterity of regular cinematographer Shane F. Kelly’s camerawork, which weaves around the joint playing with spatial dynamics and maintaining visual interest.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025
The second bit is the more challenging, because humans have very high standards for mobility, strength, and dexterity.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dexterity
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Robert Daniels, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Every single one is steeped in tradition and local ingredients, yet presented in a modern style that speaks to the vision and dexterity of the kitchen staff.
—Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
That pertains not just to the dexterity of regular cinematographer Shane F. Kelly’s camerawork, which weaves around the joint playing with spatial dynamics and maintaining visual interest.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025
The second bit is the more challenging, because humans have very high standards for mobility, strength, and dexterity.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Feb. 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 1 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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