nimble
/ˈnɪmb(ə)l
/adjective (nimbler, nimblest)
1Quick and light in movement or action; agile: with a deft motion of her nimble fingers...
- The magician does special exercises to keep his fingers nimble and body agile.
- My hands are bigger, and more adroit, with nimble fingers that can tie shoes, unwrap candies, and get the sand out from between my toes before we leave the beach.
- The dexterity of his nimble fingers forced the spotlight on him when he was just five years old.
Synonyms
agile, lithe, sprightly, acrobatic, light-footed, nimble-footed, light, light on one's feet, fleet-footed, spry, lively, active, quick, quick-moving, graceful, supple, limber, lissom, flexible, skilful, deft, dexterous, adroit
informal nippy, zippy, twinkle-toed
literary fleet, lightsome
1.1(Of the mind) able to think and understand quickly: her mind was so nimble and she was so quick to learn...
- With a nimble mind and able pen, he had thus far survived this era of religious reform and an uneasy succession, but this particular defeat was the opportunity his enemies at court were awaiting.
- Despite this he had piercing azure eyes, that hinted at his sharp and nimble mind.
- With his rubbery frame and vertical hair, Bob Kingdom looks right for the role, and we catch a glimpse of Laurel's nimble mind when he informs us that ‘a myth is a moth's sister’.
Synonyms
quick-thinking, quick-witted, quick, nimble-witted;
alert, alive, lively, wide awake, ready, quick off the mark, observant, astute, perceptive, perspicacious, penetrating, discerning, shrewd, sharp, sharp-witted;
intelligent, bright, clever, gifted, able, brainy, brilliant
informal smart, on the ball, on one's toes, quick on the uptake, genius
North American informal whip-smart
Origin
Old English nǣmel 'quick to seize or comprehend', related to niman 'take', of Germanic origin. The -b- was added for ease of pronunciation.