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.
Competition from large national players, agile fintechs and incoming international challengers is putting digital transformation at the top of executives’ priority lists. — Jody Bhagat, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The company's three key strategic priorities include focusing on keeping its core brands competitive and in line with consumer trends; keeping customers central to its decisions, and having a more agile and efficient operating framework. — April Roach,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 The result is an agile, unsettling novel about the unwinding of a mind, set in a world of women who view motherhood as a curious affectation. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Low-Earth orbit operations will likely favor agile, highly maneuverable vehicles capable of complex rendezvous and stabilization tasks. — Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 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 10 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on agile

Nglish: Translation of agile for Spanish Speakers

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