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

That means companies must stay agile without becoming reactive. — Gina Mastantuono, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Researchers have developed a new control framework that enables humanoid robots to perform agile movements, including army crawls, breakdancing and backflips. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026

Illinois pols are more adept and agile than Cirque du Soleil aerialists. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

The 360 weighs just under 80 lb (36 kg), and that makes for agile handling. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 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