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 situations
2 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