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

• featly
• feline
• graceful
• gracile
• light
• light-footed
• light-foot
• lightsome
• lissome
• lissom
• lithe
• lithesome
• nimble
• spry

Examples of agile in a Sentence

Leopards are very fast and agile.

the expressive movements of agile dancers

Recent Examples on the Web

Whether a leader wants to strengthen the company's culture, pivot into new markets or understand how to be more agile in the face of changing conditions, honest conversations are a critical tool to guide their decisions. —Jonas Barck, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

Smart, agile, able to pick things up quickly — a sample of the impressions that stuck with Bolton. —Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2025

Doberman pinschers are strong, agile dogs, known for their intelligence and loyalty. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025

The dynamic muscularity of the camerawork is matched by Jon Harris’ similarly agile editing, laced with nerve-jangling smash cuts. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 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