agile

adjective

ag·​ile ˈa-jəl  -ˌjī(-ə)l 

1

: marked by ready ability to move with quick easy grace

an agile dancer

2

: having a quick resourceful and adaptable character

an agile mind

agilely

ˈa-jə(l)-lē 

-ˌjī(-ə)(l)-lē

adverb

Synonyms

• featly
• feline
• graceful
• gracile
• light
• light-footed
• light-foot
• lightsome
• lissome
• lissom
• lithe
• lithesome
• nimble
• spry

Examples of agile in a Sentence

Leopards are very fast and agile.

the expressive movements of agile dancers

Recent Examples on the Web

For companies like mine, the answer lies in a three-step approach: Hire Gen Zers and younger Millennials across departments, amplify authenticity through diverse voices, and embrace agile, cross-channel strategies. —Nohar Zmora, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Her agile lower extremities might lead you to believe that Foster is made of rubber. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024

While also wanting a good selection of advanced technology, including hands free driving capabilities, it is all wrapped up in a stylish and refined design, with agile handling and one with the largest interior space in the 3 row midsize SUV class. —Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 15 Dec. 2024

Katz is more agile than might be expected, and the mix of his movements with the contemplativeness of his gaze is transfixing over the course of close to an hour. —Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin agilis, from agere "to drive, be in motion, do, perform" + -ilis -ile entry 1 — more at agent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

agile

adjective

ag·​ile ˈaj-əl  -ˌīl 

1

: able to move quickly and easily : nimble

an agile gymnast

2

: mentally quick

an agile thinker

agilely

-ə(l)-lē 

-ˌī(l)-lē

adverb

agility

ə-ˈjil-ət-ē

noun

Etymology

Latin agilis "nimble, agile," from agere "to drive, act, do" — related to act, agent