nimble

adjective

nim·ble ˈnim-bəl

nimbler ˈnim-b(ə-)lər

; nimblest ˈnim-b(ə-)ləst

: quick and light in motion : agile

nimble fingers

a nimble climber

: marked by quick, alert, clever conception (see conception sense 3), comprehension (see comprehension sense 1a), or resourcefulness

a nimble mind

nimble investors

: responsive, sensitive

a nimble listener

nothing like playacting to make you nimble in your feelings—

Mary Austin

nimbleness

ˈnim-bəl-nəs

noun

nimbly

ˈnim-blē

adverb

Example Sentences

possessing a nimble wit, he always has a cutting comeback for any intended insult thrown his way her nimble fingers make knitting look so easy

Recent Examples on the Web The state monopoly learned to be nimble and adapt to wartime footing. —

Sarah A. Topol, New York Times, 15 Nov. 2022 Business challenges and disruptions require companies to focus on innovation, the creation of opportunity, and the ability to be nimble. —

Tom Plaut, The Enquirer, 10 Nov. 2022 Overall, all the experts say to keep your plans and expectations nimble. —

Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2021 The Lanius, which in Latin can refer to butcherbirds, represents a new generation of drone: nimble, wired with artificial intelligence and able to scout and kill. —

Pranshu Verma, Washington Post, 18 Nov. 2022 But the gray-bearded relic turns out to be a startlingly nimble, resourceful and lethal adversary who dispatches Axis personnel like a patio zapper does mosquitoes. —

Dennis Harvey, Variety, 1 Oct. 2022 Squirrel monkeys are tiny, nimble, social and loud. —

Yael Martínez, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2022 Having Markkanen flanked by Mobley and Allen, Cleveland boasted three nimble, versatile, switchable and skilled 7-footers. —

Chris Fedor, cleveland, 6 Sep. 2022 The electric one feels enjoyably nimble, too, and its paddle-adjustable regenerative braking is fun and functional. —

Car and Driver, 18 Aug. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nimble.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nimel, from Old English numol holding much, from niman to take; akin to Old High German neman to take, Greek nemein to distribute, manage, nomos pasture, nomos usage, custom, law

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of nimble was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century