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

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

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