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

From there, leaders can direct their teams to create stronger connections that will make the organization more cohesive, responsive, agile and resilient. — Liz Guthridge, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Our opportunity is to combine these digital capabilities with our apparel expertise to create a faster, more agile and data-driven product development ecosystem for our customers. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026

Small and agile, cockroaches can get into places where conventional robots or drones can’t – not to mention people. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026

Distance and Forvia Hella, the executives said, are hoping to be just as agile. — Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 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