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

Community colleges are perfectly suited to respond quickly to workforce disruptions: local, agile and closely aligned with industry demands. —Alex Goryachev, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Even at 80, Latin music titan Eddie Palmieri was as agile as ever on the keys. —Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025

Big Deal The 2025 Fortune 100 Most Powerful People in Business list debuted this morning, featuring agile disruptors, name-brand titans, Fortune 500 CEOs, and behind-the-scenes power players. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025

Brewer, agile and athletic, plays with bad intentions, and Savaiianea (6 foot 5, 326 pounds) and Daniels (6-4, 320) are big and strong. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 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