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

Integrated linear actuators provide high power density with low noise, supporting stable, agile, and coordinated whole-body movement. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026

At 6-foot-5, 237 pounds, bullish, quick and agile, the 29-year-old stands as the NFL’s all-time leader in rushing TDs by a quarterback. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026

That's significant because tracking and capturing an intelligent, agile, and fast animal like a monkey would have required advanced hunting skills not normally attributed to early hominins. —New Atlas, 8 Jan. 2026

Collectively, there is a push to stay mentally agile and open to learning. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 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