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

By contrast, work requiring dexterity, hands-on care, and interpersonal interaction, such as nursing, repair, and many personal-service jobs, remains much harder to automate. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026

Developing mechanized hands capable of such dexterity could be a key driver in the adoption of humanoids in domestic settings, though likely won't be needed for most factory jobs. — New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2026

Chinese robotics startup LinkerBot has demonstrated the dexterity of its new robotic hand by teaching it to perform magic tricks. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026

With flawless timing and dexterity, the 12-year-old picker dazzled the audience, Lucy accompanying him on guitar, for roughly two minutes. — David Alm, Longreads, 1 Oct. 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