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

This marks Pudu’s second robot dog, following a smaller, less agile model launched in 2022. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 Dec. 2025

Jira is Atlassian software specifically designed to track bugs and issues within an organizational structure, and allow for agile project management. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

The Scherzo is bright and agile, its restless drive balanced by a lighter, dance-like middle section, with touches of triangle and the cellos tapping their bows adding color. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2025

That meant everyone had to be agile and fleet-footed. —Sarah Rodman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 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