English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

adj C1 Advanced

supple

SUH-puhl

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Supple (adj) means bending easily; flexible. Example: “Stretching daily keeps her muscles supple.”

adj

1

Bending easily; flexible.

"Stretching daily keeps her muscles supple."

"The leather softened into a supple, worn-in jacket."

2

Moving with easy, graceful flexibility.

"The gymnast's supple movements amazed the crowd."

How to use supple

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEasily bendable or flexible, whether describing a body, material, or movement.

Common pairings

supple leather supple joints stay supple

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Third person singular: supples
Past tense: suppled
Comparative: suppler
Superlative: supplest

Test yourself on “supple” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Stretching daily keeps her muscles _____.

Etymology

From Old French souple ("soft, lithe"), from Latin supplex ("kneeling, submissive"), ultimately from sub- + plicare ("to bend") — compare "complex."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

limber sinuous lissom lithesome lissome lithe

Antonyms

inelastic unbending stiff inflexible unyielding

Related words

hard strong dead kill straight firm soft plastic

Frequently asked questions

What does “supple” mean?

The word “supple” means bending easily; flexible. In plain terms, easily bendable or flexible, whether describing a body, material, or movement.

How do you pronounce “supple”?

“Supple” is pronounced SUH-puhl (/ˈsʌpəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “supple” in a sentence?

Here is “supple” used in a sentence: “Stretching daily keeps her muscles supple.”

What part of speech is “supple”?

“Supple” is an adjective.

Where does the word “supple” come from?

The word “supple” comes from Latin. From Old French souple ("soft, lithe"), from Latin supplex ("kneeling, submissive"), ultimately from sub- + plicare ("to bend") — compare "complex.".

How many meanings does “supple” have?

“Supple” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: bending easily; flexible.

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