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

This includes embracing agile workforce planning, enhancing talent pipeline and recruitment efforts, and investing in the development of both internal and external workforce pools. —Christie Simons, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Nath’s tenure at AMD illustrates how financial processes can be reimagined to support agile decision-making. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025

Horses are usually much larger and more powerful, able to carry heavier loads for longer distances, while donkeys are smaller and more agile. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024

With its interactive display, agile motion, and robust support for secondary development, PM01 is designed to be the most versatile tool for developers worldwide. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 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