Definition of nimble
nimbler
play \ˈnim-b(ə-)lər\;nimblest
play \ˈnim-b(ə-)ləst\1 : quick and light in motion : agile nimble fingers a nimble climber
2a : marked by quick, alert, clever conception (see conception 3), comprehension (see comprehension 1a), or resourcefulness a nimble mind nimble investorsb : responsive, sensitive a nimble listener nothing like playacting to make you nimble in your feelings — Mary Austin
From the M-W Editors
Examples of nimble in a Sentence
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 of nimble from the Web
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Germany’s Lufthansa is considering stretching out deliveries of Boeing’s new 777X aircraft, concerned about the cost and size of the big jet as the aviation industry shifts to smaller, more nimble planes.
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In fact, the global energy industry—which has been known for its penchant for decades-long planning and pervasive resistance to change—has become one of the nimblest, fastest, and most innovative industries around.
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Programming will also aim to reflect a more nimble MoMA, with galleries turning over more often, museum officials said, trying to elevate collection shows to the level of loan exhibitions.
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But the example of his nimble intelligence and zestful audacity affected the sense of vocation—thoughts and motives, doubts and dreams—of subsequent generations, to this day.
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His nimble work on the Hammond B3 organ helped the Allman Brothers become a national phenomenon in the early 1970s, when their improv-heavy concerts packed stadiums and often lasted more than three hours.
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This was poetry in motion, Davis sustaining an unmistakable line even amid fleetly nimble passagework.
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In a world of ever more varied, nimble, and ubiquitous computing, bloatware is dead.
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.
Origin and Etymology of nimble
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
NIMBLE Defined for English Language Learners
nimble
playDefinition of nimble for English Language Learners
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: able to move quickly, easily, and lightly
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: able to learn and understand things quickly and easily
NIMBLE Defined for Kids
nimble
playDefinition of nimble for Students
nimbler
;nimblest
nimbleness
nounnimbly
\-blē\ adverb Then the vendors had to dodge nimbly to avoid being trampled under the heavy hooves … — Laurence Yep, DragonwingsLearn More about nimble
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See words that rhyme with nimble Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for nimble Spanish Central: Translation of nimble Nglish: Translation of nimble for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of nimble for Arabic speakers
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