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
More than 40 years later, a cow in Austria is proving that the notion of cattle being smart enough to wield tools — with flexibility and dexterity, no less — isn’t so silly after all.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
That dexterity is on full display at Sunda New Asian where pan-Asian influences from the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan and beyond give sake plenty to play with.
—Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Its movements are organic and animal-like, combining finger dexterity for both locomotion and manipulation.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026
But there’s no rising artist easier to get excited about in this niche but hot scene than Meryl, aka Cindy Elismar, a rapper and singer whose vocal dexterity and understated intensity stand out on just about every track.
—Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dexterity
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.
Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
That dexterity is on full display at Sunda New Asian where pan-Asian influences from the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan and beyond give sake plenty to play with.
—Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Its movements are organic and animal-like, combining finger dexterity for both locomotion and manipulation.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026
But there’s no rising artist easier to get excited about in this niche but hot scene than Meryl, aka Cindy Elismar, a rapper and singer whose vocal dexterity and understated intensity stand out on just about every track.
—Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dexterity
Cite this Entry
“Dexterity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dexterity. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
