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 How to pronounce agile (audio)
-ˌjī(-ə)(l)-lē
adverb

Examples of agile in a Sentence

Leopards are very fast and agile. the expressive movements of agile dancers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leaders who embrace this shift now will be better prepared for future challenges, building organizations that are agile, resilient and ready for whatever comes next. Steve Osler, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Adopting agile methodologies enables companies to pivot quickly, iterate on new ideas and respond effectively to emerging market opportunities. Mansour Alajmi, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Her team is frustrated, and the company is losing market share to more agile competitors. Patricia Kennedy, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 She’s become a master of nonverbal communication, using her nimble and agile body to add depth. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for agile 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of agile was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near agile

Cite this Entry

“Agile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agile. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

agile

adjective
ag·​ile ˈaj-əl How to pronounce agile (audio) -ˌīl How to pronounce agile (audio)
1
: able to move quickly and easily : nimble
an agile gymnast
2
: mentally quick
an agile thinker
agilely
-ə(l)-lē How to pronounce agile (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on agile

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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