Sleight is a noun that can refer either to a deceitful kind of craftiness, or to skill and dexterity. It is typically found in the phrase "sleight of hand," or variations on that phrase (as in "sleight of pen").

Slight, whether as an adjective or a verb, often denotes something minor or a form of disregard. Sleight, in contrast, pertains to dexterity or trickery, closely associated with skillful manipulation. …

Slight and sleight sound the same, but things that are slight are little and light, and sleight means slyness or sneakiness. Slight is usually an adjective that describes things that are small, flimsy, or …

Sleight is by far most commonly used in the phrase sleight of hand, whose meanings are very similar to those of sleight: manual dexterity, general trickery, or a trick performed with quick and skillful hand …

sleight (slaɪt) n. 1. skill; dexterity. 2. an artifice; stratagem. 3. cunning; craft.

Again and again, with only minor variations, we see this sleight of hand at work.

Jul 15, 2025 · sleight (countable and uncountable, plural sleights) Cunning; craft; artful practice. (countable) An artful trick; sly artifice; a feat so dexterous that the manner of performance escapes …

Explanation of the difference between sleight / slight with example usage of each in context.

sleight - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. All Free.

There are ten meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun sleight, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.