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

• graceful

Examples of agile in a Sentence

Leopards are very fast and agile.

the expressive movements of agile dancers

Recent Examples on the Web

In pursuit of new ways to recruit and develop an agile, high-performing workforce, more businesses are removing the college degree requirement from job applications. —Andy Tonsing, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

The age of decentralized and hybrid warfare demands a more agile and innovative Western response. —Brian Walsh, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025

This is designed to turn the Commandos into lighter and more agile units equipped with cutting-edge technology, including drones, cyber capabilities, and AI-enabled autonomous systems, along with two dozen new CICs of which Sea Dagger is a candidate. —New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025

These changes are about building a stronger, more connected, and agile organization that can deliver on our goals and compete at the highest level. —Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 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