Definition of: nimble

(nim′bəl) adjective ·bler, ·blest
1. Light and quick in motion or action; agile.
2. Intellectually alert or acute; keen; quick–witted.
3. Circulating freely, as money.
4. Indicating a ready mind; clever: a nimble answer. [OE numel quick at learning]
—nim′ble·ness noun
—nim′bly adverb Synonyms: active, agile, alert, brisk, bustling, lively, prompt, quick, speedy, sprightly, swift. Nimble refers to lightness, freedom, and quickness of motion within a somewhat narrow range, with readiness to turn suddenly to any point; swift applies commonly to sustained motion over greater distances; a pickpocket is nimble–fingered, a dancer nimble–footed; an arrow, a race horse, or an ocean steamer is swift. We speak of nimble wit, swift destruction. Alert, which is a synonym for ready, sometimes comes near the meaning of nimble or quick, from the fact that the ready, wide–awake person is likely to be lively, quick, speedy. See ACTIVE, ALERT, SPRIGHTLY. Antonyms: clumsy, dilatory, dull, heavy, inactive, inert, slow, sluggish, unready.