ambidextrous
Americanadjective
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able to use both hands equally well.
an ambidextrous surgeon.
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unusually skillful; facile.
an ambidextrous painter, familiar with all media.
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double-dealing; deceitful.
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Slang. bisexual.
adjective
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equally expert with each hand
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informal highly skilled or adept
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underhanded; deceitful
Other Word Forms
- ambidexterity noun
- ambidextrously adverb
- ambidextrousness noun
- pseudoambidextrous adjective
- pseudoambidextrously adverb
Etymology
Origin of ambidextrous
First recorded in 1640–50; ambidext(e)r + -ous
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The lead swapping hands faster than an ambidextrous dog-walker?
From BBC • Feb. 8, 2025
The Mississippi State freshman is a rare ambidextrous pitcher, the most notable since Pat Venditte appeared in 61 major league games from 2015-20.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 27, 2023
The Logitech Signature M650 is an ambidextrous wireless mouse powered by a single AA battery and can last for up to 24 months without needing a new one.
From The Verge • Aug. 5, 2022
His father and coach, Kalin, started trying to make Teo ambidextrous in tennis when he was 8 years old because he was hyperactive.
From New York Times • May 1, 2022
Monica Fassbinder’s ambidextrous generosity was legendary in Burnt Mill Creek, but as far as I knew, it began and ended at Cade Hernandez.
From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
