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
He was unordained, uneducated, and theologically so ambidextrous that he could be either Lutheran or Reformed as the situation required. G. H. Genzmer
ambidextrouslyadverb
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.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThat’s ambidextrous leadership—you’ve got to do both. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2022 Here are three ways to become a more ambidextrous leader. Kerry Siggins, Forbes, 22 June 2022 The ambidextrous pitcher from Curacao touched 96 mph right-handed and 91 mph left-handed, with 200 rpm more on his curveball from the right side.San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 2022 The same can be applied to righties who occasionally use their left, while other people learn to be ambidextrous. Jaclyn Greenberg, Good Housekeeping, 25 May 2022 Fewer side buttons save the Pro 0.1 ounces (2.9 g) but preclude it from being ambidextrous. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 10 May 2022 With the addition of an attachable ambidextrous mouse pad, this versatile surface can also be used on top of a table to make a stand-up desk. Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Mar. 2022 Allen sharpened his footwork, face-ups, playmaking, ambidextrous jump-hooks and dribble-drives. Chris Fedor, cleveland, 5 Feb. 2022 The lithographs are equally accomplished, displaying the fluidity of his ambidextrous drawing. Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2022 See More
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