manoeuvre
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.”
How to use manoeuvre
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA skillful, deliberate move — with your hands, a vehicle, or in a plan or negotiation.
This is the standard British and Commonwealth spelling; American English writes it as "maneuver."
Word forms
manoeuvred past tense, manoeuvres plural, manoeuvres singular
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."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for manoeuvre
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.