nimble

[nim-buhl]

adjective

nimbler, nimblest 

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

Other Word Forms

• nimbly adverb
• nimbleness noun
• unnimble adjective
• unnimbleness 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

That nimble footwork would serve her well in her ultimate calling as a rugby player, but it was not until 2018 that she took up the game, as a 15-year-old.

From BBC

It would be important, however, that his triumphant fusion of South American folk roots and nimble electronic beats is not relegated to the Alternative field.

From Los Angeles Times

“For an organization our size, you have to be so nimble,” executive director Kelly Hargraves said.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite those bumps, Gordon, who shares a story credit with Brooks, is a nimble, likable comedian.

From Los Angeles Times

At Patterson's trial, one of her online friends Christine Hunt said she was renowned among her peers for her nimble researching and tech skills.

From BBC

Related Words

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