adj
nimble
NIHM-buhl
Nimble (adj) means Able to move quickly, lightly, and with easy control. Example: “The gymnast was remarkably nimble on the balance beam.”
adj
1
Able to move quickly, lightly, and with easy control.
"The gymnast was remarkably nimble on the balance beam."
"Squirrels are nimble climbers, darting along the thinnest branches."
2
Quick-thinking; mentally sharp and adaptable.
"She has a nimble mind that can jump between topics with ease."
How to use nimble
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLight and quick — either physically agile or mentally sharp.
Common pairings
nimble fingers
nimble mind
nimble footwork
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like nimble.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- nimbles
- Past tense
- nimbled
- Comparative
- nimbler
- Superlative
- nimblest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The gymnast was remarkably _____ on the balance beam.
Etymology
From Old English words meaning "quick to grasp" or "able to take hold" — from the same root as "nim" (to take).
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for nimble
See all rhymes for nimble →Frequently asked questions
What does “nimble” mean?
The word “nimble” means able to move quickly, lightly, and with easy control. In plain terms, light and quick — either physically agile or mentally sharp.
How do you pronounce “nimble”?
“Nimble” is pronounced NIHM-buhl (/ˈnɪmbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “nimble” in a sentence?
Here is “nimble” used in a sentence: “The gymnast was remarkably nimble on the balance beam.”
What is the opposite of “nimble”?
The opposite of “nimble” — its antonyms — is sluggish.
What part of speech is “nimble”?
“Nimble” is an adjective.
Where does the word “nimble” come from?
The word “nimble” comes from Old English. From Old English words meaning "quick to grasp" or "able to take hold" — from the same root as "nim" (to take).
How many meanings does “nimble” have?
“Nimble” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: able to move quickly, lightly, and with easy control.
