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

• graceful

Examples of agile in a Sentence

Leopards are very fast and agile.

the expressive movements of agile dancers

Recent Examples on the Web

Systems are designed to be both agile and compliant. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025

In the early days of the conflict, the Ukrainian military was much more agile than Russian forces in terms of adapting tactics and equipment. —Tim Lister, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025

The newcomer builds upon the successful Leopard 50, but is larger, faster, and more agile than that 50-footer. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025

In an internal memo first reported by Axios, Meta’s chief AI officer Alexandr Wang said the move is designed to make the organization more agile, with fewer layers of bureaucracy. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Oct. 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