dexter

adjective

dex·​ter ˈdek-stər How to pronounce dexter (audio)
1
: relating to or situated on the right
2
: being or relating to the side of a heraldic shield at the right of the person bearing it
dexter adverb

Word History

Etymology

Latin; akin to Old High German zeso situated on the right, Greek dexios

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dexter was in 1562

Dictionary Entries Near dexter

Cite this Entry

“Dexter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dexter. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

dexter

adjective
dex·​ter ˈdek-stər How to pronounce dexter (audio)
: relating to or situated on the right
the dexter wing of a fowl
dexter adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on dexter

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!