¹supple

adjective sup·ple \ˈsə-pəl also ˈsü-\

of a body or body part : able to bend or twist easily

: soft and able to bend or fold easily

sup·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ sup·plest \-p(ə-)ləst\

Full Definition of SUPPLE

a : compliant often to the point of obsequiousness

b : readily adaptable or responsive to new situations

a : capable of being bent or folded without creases, cracks, or breaks : pliant <supple leather>

b : able to perform bending or twisting movements with ease : limber <supple legs of a dancer>

c : easy and fluent without stiffness or awkwardness <sang with a lively, supple voice — Douglas Watt>

— sup·ple·ly \-pə(l)-lē\ or sup·ply \-p(ə-)lē\ adverb

— sup·ple·ness \-pəl-nəs\ noun

See supple defined for English-language learners

See supple defined for kids

Origin of SUPPLE

Middle English souple, from Anglo-French suple, from Latin supplic-, supplex entreating for mercy, supplicant, perhaps from sub- + -plic- (akin to plicare to fold) — more at ply

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SUPPLE

Synonyms: bendy [chiefly British], flexible, limber, lissome (also lissom), lithe, lithesome, pliable, pliant, willowy

Antonyms: inflexible, rigid, stiff, stiffened

Synonym Discussion of SUPPLE

elastic, resilient, springy, flexible, supple mean able to endure strain without being permanently injured. elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching <an elastic waistband>. resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed <a resilient innersole>. springy stresses both the ease with which something yields to pressure and the quickness of its return to original shape <the cake is done when the top is springy>. flexible applies to something which may or may not be resilient or elastic but which can be bent or folded without breaking <flexible plastic tubing>. supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury <supple leather>.