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

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.
From embracing digital transformation to prioritizing sustainability and developing agile leadership, the coming year holds tremendous potential for organizations that are ready to lead the charge in an ever-evolving world. Mohit Gupta, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 Standing 27–29 inches tall and weighing up to 150 pounds, these muscular, yet agile, dogs are built to fend off predators and thrive in harsh terrain. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 Features like large teeth, domed skulls, and strong jaws and paws maximize their ability to take down strong, agile prey such as mountain goats. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025 For that matter, Tyrer’s credentials eclipse the 15 modern candidates: None was a first-team All-Pro as many times as Tyrer, who at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds and agile was a glimpse of what the vital position would become. Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near agile

Cite this Entry

“Agile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agile. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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

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