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

Be Prepared to Close Quickly This could put you ahead of other, higher bidders who aren’t as agile. —Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025

But everything in the Doom Slayer’s arsenal, ranging from shotguns to plasma rifles, is already wildly effective on their own, even when dealing with more agile or armored enemies. —Kazuma Hashimoto, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025

Companies that adopt agile marketing strategies and equip teams with tools that support real-time insights report higher engagement and adaptability, with 96% of marketers reporting that an agile approach is key to helping achieve primary marketing goals. —Daniel Kushner, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

The point-foot setup is ideal for precise legged control and agile movements, while the sole configuration mimics humanoid walking for a smoother, more natural gait. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for agile

• fragile

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