# nimble

/ˈnɪmbəɫ/ (US) · /nˈɪmbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nimble
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. physical agility

adjective · CEFR B2

able to move quickly and easily with light steps.

For teachers: quick and light in movement or action; possessing physical agility and coordination.

- The nimble cat jumped from the fence to the narrow roof without falling.
- The mountain goats were incredibly nimble, navigating the sheer rock faces with a speed that seemed to defy gravity.

### 2. manual dexterity

adjective · CEFR B2

having fingers that move quickly and carefully to do difficult work.

For teachers: possessing manual dexterity; able to perform delicate or complex tasks with the hands quickly and accurately.

- You need nimble fingers to fix the tiny parts inside a watch.
- Her nimble fingers flew across the piano keys, executing the complex concerto with effortless precision and grace.

### 3. mental quickness

adjective · CEFR B2

able to think, learn, or answer very quickly.

For teachers: quick-witted and alert; possessing a mind capable of rapid comprehension or clever response.

- She has a nimble mind and always finds a solution to tricky problems.
- A nimble negotiator can anticipate an opponent's objections and pivot the conversation before a deadlock occurs.

## Examples

- The nimble cat jumped onto the high shelf.
- A nimble developer can quickly adapt to new programming languages as the industry changes.
- The gymnast's nimble footwork allowed her to navigate the balance beam with a grace that masked the immense physical strength required for the routine.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.