sleight of hand

noun phrase

1
a
: a cleverly executed trick or deception
b
: a conjuring trick requiring manual dexterity
2
a
: skill and dexterity in conjuring tricks
b
: adroitness in deception

Examples of sleight of hand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In that sleight of hand lies Netanyahu’s method: clarity would force a choice, while ambiguity keeps every option open. Yonatan Touval, Time, 22 Aug. 2025 At No Comply, named for a skateboard move, unexpected sleights of hand shape each dish. Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Rollins is a restricted free agent and likely sticking around—no sleight of hand needed there. Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Such is the hypothesis of Crystal Skillman’s Open, a magic performance done, mostly, without visible sleight of hand. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sleight of hand

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleight of hand was in 1593

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sleight of hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleight%20of%20hand. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

sleight of hand

1
: skill especially in juggling or magic tricks
2
: a magic or juggling trick requiring skill with the hands
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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