dexterity
Americannoun
-
skill or adroitness in using the hands or body; agility.
-
mental adroitness or skill; cleverness.
noun
-
physical, esp manual, skill or nimbleness
-
mental skill or adroitness: cleverness
-
rare the characteristic of being right-handed
Other Word Forms
- nondexterity noun
Etymology
Origin of dexterity
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin dexteritās “readiness, skillfulness,” from dexter “skillful” + -itās -ity
Explanation
If you fall asleep with your heavy head on your arm, you might not have the dexterity, or control of your hand, to hit the OFF button on the alarm clock in the morning. Very small children do well with mittens, because their dexterity, or skill in using their hands, isn’t as developed as in older kids and adults, who wear gloves to separate their fingers. Dexterity helps fingers and hands to coordinate for completing fine tasks like writing, sewing, and playing string instruments. "Mental dexterity" means a sharpness of mind, or skill in thinking creatively and understanding and expressing something quickly and easily.
Vocabulary lists containing dexterity
Romeo and Juliet
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Hunger Games
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Under Mr. Cullman’s incisive direction the entire cast unties the emotional knots of the characters with impressive dexterity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026
She believes that “high-skilled work” that requires the “motion and dexterity of our hands” is still essential for the likes of construction workers, electricians and child-care workers.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026
It features chorus lines of robots performing feats of dexterity and coordination—kung fu, back flips, and, yes, swordplay—at speeds rivaling humans.
From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026
But there’s something about looking at a Jacob Lawrence painting that offers me the biggest inspiration in terms of the dexterity and freedom and elasticity of Black bodies in space.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2026
His slender feet are arched and poised with perfect dexterity, like a ballet dancer.
From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
