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

Thales will lead the integration of multiple unmanned assets, both above and below the water, into becoming a true system of systems for safer, more efficient and agile mine hunting missions. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026

An agile leader needs to pivot quickly, which can be frustrating when there’s a plan in place that people are eager to execute. —Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026

Pleasants stuck on the roster this season, although with Williams and right tackle Colton McKivitz not missing a game there wasn’t much need for a swing tackle, no matter how big and agile. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025

Denim mills and manufacturers approach to the season was strategic and agile. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Dec. 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