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

Foremost, there is the recent play of starting center Bam Adebayo, who simply proved too fleet and agile for Vucevic to contain Thursday night, closing with 20 points and 12 rebounds. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026

Embraer is a textbook example of how the 'smaller' player often has the most agile and reliable path to growth. —Sasirekha Subramanian, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026

The company is aiming to reduce complexity and become more agile, even after reporting record fourth-quarter orders. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026

On Raabta’s competitive proposition, De los Santos pointed to a agile operating model and title-by-title execution. —Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026

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