ambidextrous

adjective

am·​bi·​dex·​trous ˌam-bi-ˈdek-strəs How to pronounce ambidextrous (audio)
Synonyms of ambidextrousnext
1
a
: using both hands with equal ease or dexterity
an ambidextrous pitcher
Guatelli says the master was ambidextrous, that he sketched with his right hand while he wrote with his left—simultaneously.—John P. Wiley, Jr.
b
soccer : using both feet with equal ease : two-footed
When Zinger played the Ghosts in the regular season, he kicked with his right foot. This time, the ambidextrous soccer player went with his left.—Lianne Elliott
2
: designed or suitable for use by the left or right hand
With two firing buttons, it's the first ambidextrous joystick—just as comfortable for lefties as righties.—Popular Computing
3
: unusually skillful : versatile
He is completely ambidextrous, that is to say, completely able to express himself in verse or prose—T. S. Eliot
4
: characterized by duplicity : double-dealing
He was unordained, uneducated, and theologically so ambidextrous that he could be either Lutheran or Reformed as the situation required.—G. H. Genzmer
ambidextrously adverb

Did you know?

Latin dexter originally meant "related to or situated on the right side," but since most people do things better with the right hand, dexter developed the sense of "skillful" (as demonstrated by our word dexterous). In 1646, English physician and author Sir Thomas Browne combined dexter with the Latin prefix ambi- (meaning "both") to form ambidextrous: "Some are ... ambidextrous or right-handed on both sides," he wrote. The word can also describe the kind of mental agility demonstrated by one with multiple diverse talents, such as the ambidextrous leader who successfully works with a diverse team to meet goals.

Examples of ambidextrous 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.
Glasper has definitely followed his own advice: with his ambidextrous musicianship between modern jazz, R&B, and Hip-Hop as both a bandleader and as player-for-hire, he’s racked up five Grammy awards, 11 nominations, and a reputation as one of the best musicians in the business. —William E. Ketchum Iii, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Bronze: Braverman & Klinger. ———————— Men’s Pro Doubles Recap Long-time #1 ranked APP doubles player Rob Nunnery has had to find a new partner on tour, and may have found an excellent one in the ambidextrous Texan Jack Munro. —Todd Boss, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 In contrast to the unisex, ambidextrous friulane traditionally sold in drugstores or small boutiques, ViBi Venezia divided its product into men’s and women’s and left and right. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2024 These ambidextrous shears are stylish and easy to use. —Michelle Love, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ambidextrous 

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin ambidexter "using both hands with equal ease" (from Latin ambi- ambi- + dexter "on the right-hand side, propitious, skillful") + -ous — more at dexter

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ambidextrous was in 1646

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Dictionary Entries Near ambidextrous

ambidexterity

ambidextrous

ambience

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Ambidextrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambidextrous. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

ambidextrous

adjective
am·​bi·​dex·​trous ˌam-bi-ˈdek-strəs How to pronounce ambidextrous (audio)
: using both hands with equal ease
ambidextrously adverb

Medical Definition

ambidextrous

adjective
am·​bi·​dex·​trous ˌam-bi-ˈdek-strəs How to pronounce ambidextrous (audio)
: capable of using both hands with equal ease
ambidextrously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ambidextrous

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ambidextrous

Nglish: Translation of ambidextrous for Spanish Speakers

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