noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

manoeuvre

muh-NOO-vuh

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Also spelled maneuver (US spelling)

Manoeuvre (noun) means a planned, often careful movement or action, especially one requiring skill. Example: “Parallel parking is a tricky manoeuvre for new drivers.”

noun

A planned, often careful movement or action, especially one requiring skill.

"Parallel parking is a tricky manoeuvre for new drivers."

"The general planned a bold manoeuvre to outflank the enemy."

verb

To move or steer skillfully, or to maneuver someone into a position through clever tactics.

"She had to manoeuvre the boat carefully through the narrow channel."

"He manoeuvred his way into the promotion through office politics."

How to use manoeuvre

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA skillful, deliberate move — with your hands, a vehicle, or in a plan or negotiation.

UK vs US

This is the standard British and Commonwealth spelling; American English writes it as "maneuver."

Easily confused with

maneuver →

Common pairings

military manoeuvre tight manoeuvre manoeuvre around

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: manoeuvres
Third person singular: manoeuvres
Past tense: manoeuvred

Test yourself on “manoeuvre” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Parallel parking is a tricky _____ for new drivers.

Etymology

From French manœuvre, ultimately from Latin manu operari, "to work by hand" — the same root gives us "manual" and "operate."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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

Related words

place play point head control lead straight focus

Rhymes for manoeuvre

Louvre

See all rhymes for manoeuvre →

Frequently asked questions

What does “manoeuvre” mean?

The word “manoeuvre” means a planned, often careful movement or action, especially one requiring skill. In plain terms, a skillful, deliberate move — with your hands, a vehicle, or in a plan or negotiation.

How do you pronounce “manoeuvre”?

“Manoeuvre” is pronounced muh-NOO-vuh (/məˈnuːvɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “manoeuvre” in a sentence?

Here is “manoeuvre” used in a sentence: “Parallel parking is a tricky manoeuvre for new drivers.”

What part of speech is “manoeuvre”?

Depending on how it is used, “manoeuvre” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “manoeuvre” come from?

The word “manoeuvre” comes from Latin. From French manœuvre, ultimately from Latin manu operari, "to work by hand" — the same root gives us "manual" and "operate.".

Is “manoeuvre” a common word?

“Manoeuvre” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “manoeuvre” have?

“Manoeuvre” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a planned, often careful movement or action, especially one requiring skill.

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