ambidextrous

adjective

am·​bi·​dex·​trous ˌam-bi-ˈdek-strəs 

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

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

But being ambidextrous, the tomatoes here also act as a bridge to the savory side, inviting bites of red onion and a vinaigrette to the party. —Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 31 July 2024

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

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Kids Definition

ambidextrous

adjective

am·​bi·​dex·​trous ˌam-bi-ˈdek-strəs 

: using both hands with equal ease

ambidextrously adverb

Medical Definition

ambidextrous

adjective

am·​bi·​dex·​trous ˌam-bi-ˈdek-strəs 

: capable of using both hands with equal ease

ambidextrously adverb