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

Directed by Mélanie Laurant, this nimble caper film is based on the real-life exploits of Bruno Sulak.

From Salon

Nimble pivots were central to the entire process.

From Los Angeles Times

How would one of America’s largest bureaucracies become nimble enough to do it?

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

Related Words

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