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 of agile

• graceful

Examples of agile in a Sentence

Leopards are very fast and agile.

the expressive movements of agile dancers

Recent Examples on the Web

For Atlas, this means proving that a highly agile, fully electric system can perform sustained, repetitive work without the trade-offs that come with research-grade complexity. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025

At the same time, businesses need to be agile. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025

Craft was able to sign the 6-foot-5, agile Mougey as a quarterback only after reassuring the player and his mother he wouldn’t be moved to receiver. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025

Some organizations have downsized their senior teams with a view to becoming more agile, responsive and better aligned. —Sarah Abbott, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 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