ambidextrous

adjective

am·bi·dex·trous | \ ˌam-bi-ˈdek-strəs

Definition of ambidextrous

1a : using both hands with equal ease or dexterity an ambidextrous pitcher Guatelli says the master was ambidextrous, that he sketched with his right hand while he wrote with his left—simultaneously.— John P. Wiley Jr.

b soccer : using both feet with equal ease : two-footed When Zinger played the Ghosts in the regular season, he kicked with his right foot. This time, the ambidextrous soccer player went with his left.— Lianne Elliott

2 : designed or suitable for use by the left or right hand With two firing buttons, it's the first ambidextrous joystick—just as comfortable for lefties as righties. — Popular Computing

3 : unusually skillful : versatile He is completely ambidextrous, that is to say, completely able to express himself in verse or prose— T. S. Eliot

4 : characterized by duplicity : double-dealing He was unordained, uneducated, and theologically so ambidextrous that he could be either Lutheran or Reformed as the situation required.— G. H. Genzmer

Other Words from ambidextrous Did you know? More Example Sentences Learn More About ambidextrous

Did you know?

Latin dexter originally meant "related to or situated on the right side," but since most people do things better with the right hand, dexter developed the sense of "skillful" (as demonstrated by our word dexterous). In 1646, English physician and author Sir Thomas Browne combined dexter with the Latin prefix ambi- (meaning "both") to form ambidextrous: "Some are ... ambidextrous or right-handed on both sides," he wrote. The word can also describe the kind of mental agility demonstrated by one with multiple diverse talents, such as the ambidextrous leader who successfully works with a diverse team to meet goals.

Examples of ambidextrous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web With the addition of an attachable ambidextrous mouse pad, this versatile surface can also be used on top of a table to make a stand-up desk. — Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Mar. 2022 Allen sharpened his footwork, face-ups, playmaking, ambidextrous jump-hooks and dribble-drives. — Chris Fedor, cleveland, 5 Feb. 2022 The lithographs are equally accomplished, displaying the fluidity of his ambidextrous drawing. — Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2022 This black and ambidextrous mouse features three buttons, including a middle scroll wheel, and requires one double-A battery (not included). — Marc Saltzman, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2022 This handy ambidextrous mouse didn't make our list of the Best Gaming Mice, but its svelte older sibling did. — Louryn Strampe, Wired, 28 Nov. 2021 This Razer Viper mouse is ambidextrous, so anyone can use it. — Eric Ravenscraft, Wired, 29 Nov. 2021 This Razer Viper mouse is ambidextrous, so anyone can use it. — Eric Ravenscraft, Wired, 29 Nov. 2021 This lever setup also allows for ambidextrous operation, pushing the lever either right or left opens the slick action. — John Gordon, Outdoor Life, 24 Feb. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ambidextrous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.