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noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

maneuver

muh-NOO-vuh
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Also spelled manoeuvre (UK spelling)

Maneuver (noun) means a planned, often skillful movement of troops, vehicles, or a body, especially one requiring precision. Example: “The pilot performed a sharp evasive maneuver.”

noun
1
A planned, often skillful movement of troops, vehicles, or a body, especially one requiring precision.
"The pilot performed a sharp evasive maneuver."
"Parallel parking is a classic maneuver tested in driving exams."
2
A clever or calculated action taken to gain advantage; a stratagem.
"It was a shrewd political maneuver that caught rivals off guard."
verb
1
To move something carefully and skillfully into position, especially in a tight or difficult space.
"She maneuvered the truck into the narrow loading bay."
"He maneuvered around the obstacles blocking the hallway."

How to use maneuver

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA carefully controlled movement or clever tactic, or the act of skillfully steering something into place.

UK vs US

Spelled "manoeuvre" in British English, "maneuver" in American English.

Easily confused with
manoeuvre →
Common pairings
military maneuver evasive maneuver political maneuvering
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Word forms

Plural
maneuvers
Third person singular
maneuvers
Past tense
maneuvered
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pilot performed a sharp evasive _____.

Etymology

From French manœuvre ("manipulation, maneuver"), ultimately from Latin manu operari, "to work by hand." It shares this root with the English word "manure."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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play point head direct guide operate tactics tactic steer manoeuvre manoeuver channelize

Related words

place play point head control lead straight focus

Rhymes for maneuver

louver Vancouver
See all rhymes for maneuver →

Frequently asked questions

What does “maneuver” mean?
The word “maneuver” means a planned, often skillful movement of troops, vehicles, or a body, especially one requiring precision. In plain terms, a carefully controlled movement or clever tactic, or the act of skillfully steering something into place.
How do you pronounce “maneuver”?
“Maneuver” is pronounced muh-NOO-vuh (/məˈnuvɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “maneuver” in a sentence?
Here is “maneuver” used in a sentence: “The pilot performed a sharp evasive maneuver.”
What part of speech is “maneuver”?
Depending on how it is used, “maneuver” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “maneuver” come from?
The word “maneuver” comes from Latin. From French manœuvre ("manipulation, maneuver"), ultimately from Latin manu operari, "to work by hand." It shares this root with the English word "manure.".
Is “maneuver” a common word?
“Maneuver” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “maneuver” have?
“Maneuver” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a planned, often skillful movement of troops, vehicles, or a body, especially one requiring precision.

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