nimble

[ nim-buhl ]

adjective

, nim·bler, nim·blest.

1. quick and light in movement; moving with ease; agile; active; rapid:

   nimble feet.

   Synonyms: spry, sprightly, brisk, lively

   Antonyms: ungainly, clumsy

2. quick to understand, think, devise, etc.:

   a nimble mind.

   Synonyms: keen, sharp, quick-witted

3. cleverly contrived:

   a story with a nimble plot.

nimble

/ ˈnɪmbəl /

adjective

1. agile, quick, and neat in movement

   nimble fingers

2. alert; acute

   a nimble intellect

Derived Forms

• ˈnimbly, adverb
• ˈnimbleness, noun

Other Words From

• nim·ble·ness noun
• nim·bly adverb
• un·nim·ble adjective
• un·nim·ble·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nimble¹

First recorded before 1000; late Middle English nymel, earlier nemel, Old English nǣmel “capable,” equivalent to nǣm- (variant stem of niman “to take”; nim ¹ ) + -el -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of nimble¹

Old English nǣmel quick to grasp, and numol quick at seizing, both from niman to take

Example Sentences

And while the court reasoned that immunity is needed to safeguard aggressive, nimble and presumably lawful presidential action, Trump takes the lesson that he can violate the Constitution with impunity.

From Los Angeles Times

“It was quick as a flash - her hands are so nimble. I didn't see anything.”

From BBC

Analysts lauded the retailer for heavily investing in technology to become more efficient, remodeling stores to look more modern and adopting a nimble, experimental mindset.

From Los Angeles Times

As impossibly nimble as an F1 car is, F1 teams’ design concepts take as much time to turnaround as an oil tanker.

From BBC

“Have I Got News for You” will take on current events, but with a lighter, more nimble touch, Wood said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adept
• adroit
• agile
• bright
• deft
• lithe
• lively
• quick
• skillful
• swift