# dexterity

/dɛkˈstɛɹəti/ (US) · /dɛkstˈɛɹɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dexterity
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

the ability to move your hands or body skillfully. It can also mean being quick and clever with your mind.

For teachers: skill and grace in physical movement, especially the use of the hands; by extension, mental adroitness or cleverness.

## Examples

- Playing the piano requires great finger dexterity.
- The surgeon's manual dexterity allowed her to perform the delicate operation with minimal scarring to the patient.
- While the job requires significant physical dexterity to assemble the microchips, it also demands the mental flexibility to troubleshoot software errors on the fly.

## Usage notes

- Often paired with 'manual' to specify physical skill or 'mental' for cognitive quickness.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.