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

Synonyms of dexterity

• ability
• prowess
• talent
• proficiency
• finesse
• aptitude
• competence
• 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.

Recent Examples on the Web

As the attractive secretary, she is forced to fend off not only Hart’s advances (with the cheery but firm dexterity of a woman with no alternative and many years of practice) but also the chilly scorn of her female colleagues. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Strength/ Motor Training Strength training can help people who have lost hand strength or dexterity due to a brain injury. — Connie Etermadi, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Robots even participated in six events challenging hand dexterity, including picking up beans and driving screws. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026

In addition to more familiar events drawn from human ​sports, robots will ⁠compete in EV charging, restaurant work, emergency incident handling and hand-dexterity contests. — Reuters, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French dexterité, from Latin dexteritat-, dexteritas, from dexter — see dexterous

First Known Use

1518, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for dexterity

• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• disparity
• hilarity
• molarity
• planarity
• polarity
• posterity
• prosperity
• severity

Kids 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