habile

adjective

hab·​ile ˈha-bəl How to pronounce habile (audio)
-ˌbī(-ə)l
: having general skill : able, skillful

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots) habyll, from Middle French habile, from Latin habilis — more at able

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of habile was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near habile

Cite this Entry

“Habile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/habile. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on habile

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY