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 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.
Property managers should prioritize systems and technology that are agile enough to accommodate these differences without creating an entirely different process for every property. — Nathan Miller, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Measuring more than thirty feet by fifty feet, the cloth invites a jeté from more agile museumgoers. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 The idea is to provide nimble and reliable baseload power that’s clean, meltdown-proof, and relatively agile for limited power uses. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026 Those with distinct points of view and an agile instinct for the moment cut through the quiet while the city continues to draw global activations. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Agile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agile. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: able to move quickly and easily : nimble
an agile gymnast
2
: mentally quick
an agile thinker
agilely 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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