sleight of hand

noun phrase

1
a
: a cleverly executed trick or deception
b
: a conjuring trick requiring manual dexterity
2
a
: skill and dexterity in conjuring tricks
b
: adroitness in deception

Examples of sleight of hand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s a moral sleight of hand in this business — a way of justifying detachment as professionalism. Rob Shuter, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025 Some of his allies also advanced the idea that the earlier expression of misgivings had been a tactical sleight of hand intended to make the Iranians think an Israeli attack would not come. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 June 2025 What Flanagan — and King — do is a sort of slow sleight of hand that mimics the emotional journey of Charles Krantz. Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 6 June 2025 That sleight of hand may have delighted shareholders, but was a major loss for music creators. Jem Aswad, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sleight of hand

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleight of hand was in 1593

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sleight of hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleight%20of%20hand. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

sleight of hand

1
: skill especially in juggling or magic tricks
2
: a magic or juggling trick requiring skill with the hands
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!