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 How to pronounce agile (audio)
-ˌjī(-ə)(l)-lē
adverb

Examples of agile in a Sentence

Leopards are very fast and agile. the expressive movements of agile dancers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Maxon's advanced actuators give AEON its agile, human-like movement, enabling it to tackle a wide range of tasks across various environments. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025 The result is a lean and agile 115-footer designed to be an extension of the ocean itself, marking the debut of an entry-level model to the DOM lineup. India Brown, Robb Report, 3 July 2025 Mass merchandisers such as Target and Walmart, retailers with diversified sourcing and agile supply chains such as Amazon, and off-price or dollar stores such as Dollar General and Ross Stores are well-positioned to win wallet share in 2025, Coresight indicated in its bts report. David Moin, Footwear News, 3 July 2025 By embracing this approach, companies can transform uncertainty from a threat into a competitive advantage, staying agile enough to capitalize on opportunities while maintaining focus on their core objectives. Laureen Knudsen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for agile

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of agile was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Agile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agile. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

agile

adjective
ag·​ile ˈaj-əl How to pronounce agile (audio) -ˌīl How to pronounce agile (audio)
1
: able to move quickly and easily : nimble
an agile gymnast
2
: mentally quick
an agile thinker
agilely
-ə(l)-lē How to pronounce agile (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on agile

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