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
Writing with a rush pen required considerable dexterity, and as anyone with carpal tunnel syndrome could tell you, these sorts of repetitive motions can cause excessive stress in the hands and wrists.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 27 June 2024
It’s been six years since Tems’ debut single, and this dexterity and notable openness has further broadened her reach.
—Earl Hopkins, SPIN, 27 June 2024
Dane County Circuit Court Judge Everett Mitchell on Tuesday ordered clerks to allow voters with disabilities that include blindness or a physical disability that impairs manual dexterity to vote electronically, including with a screen reader.
—Rachel Hale, Journal Sentinel, 25 June 2024
This is despite having demonstrated considerable dexterity in its deployments in eastern Ukraine in 2014 and in Syria starting in 2015.
—Margarita Konaev, Foreign Affairs, 28 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for dexterity 
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 27 June 2024
It’s been six years since Tems’ debut single, and this dexterity and notable openness has further broadened her reach.
—Earl Hopkins, SPIN, 27 June 2024
Dane County Circuit Court Judge Everett Mitchell on Tuesday ordered clerks to allow voters with disabilities that include blindness or a physical disability that impairs manual dexterity to vote electronically, including with a screen reader.
—Rachel Hale, Journal Sentinel, 25 June 2024
This is despite having demonstrated considerable dexterity in its deployments in eastern Ukraine in 2014 and in Syria starting in 2015.
—Margarita Konaev, Foreign Affairs, 28 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for dexterity
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dexterity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Dexterity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dexterity. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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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