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

• featly
• feline
• graceful
• gracile
• light
• light-footed
• light-foot
• lightsome
• lissome
• lissom
• lithe
• lithesome
• nimble
• spry

Examples of agile in a Sentence

Leopards are very fast and agile.

the expressive movements of agile dancers

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, the company has implemented DataOps principles to create more agile data pipelines, which can result in faster data delivery and increased responsiveness to changing business needs. —Robert Kramer, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

Of course, some babies are very agile and will attempt to climb out sooner—at which point they should be moved to a bed. —Laura Broadwell, Parents, 18 Mar. 2025

With fewer barriers to entry, deregulated markets attract startups and disruptors who may be more agile and innovative than incumbents. —Bruce Helmer and Peg Webb, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2025

Among the most agile cat breeds are the Bengal and Abyssinian. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 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