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 By rethinking job descriptions and hiring requirements, fostering a flexible and inclusive workplace and adapting to the changing demands of the digital era, workforce planners can significantly expand their talent pool and build a future workforce that is agile, diverse, innovative and adaptable. Rafael Castaneda, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Eight other QBs went before Purdy, an agile passer who’d started 46 straight games for Iowa State but stood 6-foot and had so-so arm strength. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Feb. 2024 But as audiences return to theaters and chains raise ticket prices, Acuna said exhibitors had to get more agile about ticket pricing. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2024 Our goal is to remain agile and adaptable and to continue to focus on delivering the best gaming experiences possible now and in the future. Tom Warren, The Verge, 27 Feb. 2024 And a team of agile technocrats were on hand to fend off a crisis. Paul Sonne, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2024 The platform will also need to be agile, especially on the innovative front. Tyler Shepherd, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 To our surprise, the Rover felt as agile as a supercar. Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 21 Feb. 2024 These planned pauses are not just escapes but essential components of a sustainable study regimen, ensuring that the mind remains agile and receptive. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'agile.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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

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