agile

adjective

ag·​ile ˈa-jəl How to pronounce agile (audio) -ˌjī(-ə)l How to pronounce agile (audio)
Synonyms of agile
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 How to pronounce agile (audio)
-ˌjī(-ə)(l)-lē
adverb

Synonyms of agile

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Examples of agile in a Sentence

Leopards are very fast and agile. the expressive movements of agile dancers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The gunplay is punchy and satisfying; Jun and their NPC companions are more agile; and the arsenal of both sci-fi weapons and ancient powers (magic in a sci-fi trench coat) gives players a richer selection of tools to neutralize enemies with. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2026 For one track on her massive yet agile new album, The Will of Tongues, Davachi works with Phaedrus, an early music flute consort (three tenors, one bass, all modeled on 16th-century instruments), a group whose approach resonates with her own. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026 The smallest robot was the most agile of the three, and the largest one was the best at maintaining its trajectory when faced with disturbances meant to throw it off course. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026 The Kona is agile, easy to park and boasts solid fuel economy numbers. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for agile

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of agile was in the 14th century

Rhymes for agile

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Browse Nearby Words

agilawood
agile
agile gibbon
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Cite this Entry

“Agile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agile. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

agile

adjective
ag·​ile ˈaj-əl How to pronounce agile (audio) -ˌīl How to pronounce agile (audio)
1
: able to move quickly and easily : nimble
an agile gymnast
2
: mentally quick
an agile thinker
agilely
-ə(l)-lē How to pronounce agile (audio)
-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

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