nimble Definition
nim·ble (nim′bəl)
adjective -·bler, -·blest
- mentally quick; quick-witted; alert a nimble mind
- Rare showing mental quickness a nimble reply
- moving quickly and lightly
Etymology: with intrusive -b- < ME nimmel < OE numol < niman, to take (see nim): basic sense “capable of taking”
nimble Related Forms
nim′·ble·ness noun
nim′·bly adverb
nimble Synonyms
nimble
modif.
nimble Usage Examples
Infinitive complement
- get: You do need to be fairly nimble to get around the tiered garden although some 50 % is wheelchair accessible it is claimed.
- work: Over time, housing associations have proved nimble enough to work with big government agencies and deliver in the trenches.
Adjective complement with noun phrase
make: Introduction of a new triple-layered DO element not only makes the lens more nimble, it delivers unrivaled imaging performance.
Modifies a noun
- footwork: The swell was about 6 8 feet but with a bit of nimble footwork all made it back on-board if somewhat wet!
- finger: However, whenever she actually knows the answers, Louise's nimble fingers are quicker on the buzzer than anyone else's.
- foot: She has a wonderfully light, ethereal touch and nimble feet.
- hand: A thrill went through me as I felt his small nimble hand in mine.
- car: I need a lightweight, nimble car to chuck about, you see.
- work: However, it wasn't all about nimble finger work.
Modifying Another Word
- surprisingly: The bike is surprisingly nimble through tight corners too.
- very: He was of medium stature and weight, very nimble and very neat in all his work and conduct.
- so: Neither can I knit quite so fast these days as my fingers are not so nimble.
- quite: The only problem is that the evil cats have become quite nimble at catching birds on it.
- extremely: It is also extremely nimble, stopping and starting on a dime thanks to the low-mass platter.
- particularly: All fencing should be adequate and safe, especially since moorland ponies are particularly nimble and are likely to be unsettled initially.
Used with adjective complement
Browse dictionary entries near nimble
- ‹ nim
- ‹ Nilotic
- ‹ Nilo-Saharan
- ‹ nill
- ‹ nilgai
- ‹ Nile green
- ‹ Nile
- ‹ nil nisi bonum
- ‹ nil desperandum
- ‹ nil
- nimble-fingered ›
- nimble-footed ›
- nimble-witted ›
- nimbleness ›
- nimbly ›
- nimbostratus ›
- nimbus ›
- NIMBY ›
- NIMDA worm ›
- nimiety ›

