Main Entry:

¹sup·ple

Pronunciation:

\ˈsə-pəl also ˈsü-\

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

sup·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ ; sup·plest \-p(ə-)ləst\

Etymology:

Middle English souple, from Anglo-French suple, from Latin supplic-, supplex entreating for mercy, supplicant, perhaps from sub- + -plic- (akin to plicare to fold) — more at ply

Date:

14th century

1 a: compliant often to the point of obsequiousness b: readily adaptable or responsive to new situations2 a: capable of being bent or folded without creases, cracks, or breaks : pliant <supple leather> b: able to perform bending or twisting movements with ease : limber <supple legs of a dancer> c: easy and fluent without stiffness or awkwardness <sang with a lively, supple voice — Douglas Watt>

synonyms see elastic

— sup·ple·ly \-pə(l)-lē\ or sup·ply \-p(ə-)lē\ adverb

— sup·ple·ness \-pəl-nəs\ noun