ambidexter

1 of 2

noun

am·​bi·​dex·​ter
¦ambə¦dekstə(r),
¦aam-
plural -s
1
a
: one that takes bribes or fees from both sides
b
archaic : one that practices duplicity
2
obsolete : one that uses both hands with equal facility

ambidexter

2 of 2

adjective

"
archaic

Word History

Etymology

Noun

in sense 1, from Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from ambidexter, adjective, from Late Latin, skillful with both hands; in sense 2, from Late Latin, from ambidexter, adjective

Adjective

Medieval Latin & Late Latin; Medieval Latin, double-dealing, from Late Latin, skillful with both hands (translation of Greek amphoterodexios), from ambi- + dexter on the right, skillful

First Known Use

Noun

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ambidexter was in 1598

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near ambidexter

Cite this Entry

“Ambidexter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambidexter. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


The Great British Vocabulary Quiz

  • union jack speech bubble
  • Named after Sir Robert Peel, what are British police called?
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ