ambidexterity

noun

am·​bi·​dex·​ter·​i·​ty ˌam-bi-(ˌ)dek-ˈster-ə-tē How to pronounce ambidexterity (audio)
-ˈste-rə-
: the quality or state of being ambidextrous

Examples of ambidexterity 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.
Company – and even national – characteristics of openness, agility and ambidexterity provide a cultural context that promotes innovation. — Ted Ladd, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2023 There’s a difference between mixed-handedness and the more common phenomenon of ambidexterity. — Ben Cohen, WSJ, 14 May 2021

Word History

Etymology

ambidexter "using both hands with equal ease" (or its source, Late Latin ambidexter) + -ity, after dexterity — more at ambidextrous

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ambidexterity was in 1593

Rhymes for ambidexterity

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Browse Nearby Words

ambidexter
ambidexterity
ambidextrous
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Cite this Entry

“Ambidexterity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambidexterity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

ambidexterity

noun
am·​bi·​dex·​ter·​i·​ty ˌam-bi-(ˌ)dek-ˈster-ət-ē How to pronounce ambidexterity (audio)
plural ambidexterities
: the quality or state of being ambidextrous

More from Merriam-Webster on ambidexterity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ambidexterity

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