noun

dexterity

dehks-TEH-rih-tee

noun

Skill and quickness, especially in using the hands.

"The surgeon's dexterity made the delicate procedure look effortless."

"Playing the violin well takes years of practice to build the necessary dexterity."

How to Use Dexterity

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPhysical skill and quickness, especially with the hands, though it can also describe mental agility.

Common pairings

manual dexterity great dexterity physical dexterity

dexterities plural

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The surgeon's _____ made the delicate procedure look effortless.

From Latin dexteritas, related to dexter, "on the right side" — reflecting the old assumption that right-handedness meant greater skill.

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