manual
MAN-yuhl
Manual (noun) means a book giving instructions on how to use or operate something. Example: “He checked the manual before trying to fix the printer.”
noun
1
A book giving instructions on how to use or operate something.
"He checked the manual before trying to fix the printer."
"The car came with a thick owner's manual."
"The washing machine manual explains what each of the programmes does."
adj
1
Done with the hands, or operated by a person rather than a machine.
"The job requires manual labor in all weather."
"She prefers a manual transmission to an automatic one."
"Digging the trench by hand was slow, tiring manual work."
How to use manual
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn instruction booklet, or an adjective for anything done by hand rather than by machine.
Common pairings
user manual
manual labour
manual transmission
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Word forms
- Plural
- manuals
- Comparative
- more manual
- Superlative
- most manual
Fill the gap
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He checked the _____ before trying to fix the printer.
Etymology
From Latin manuālis, from manus ("hand") — anything "manual" is literally hand-related.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for manual
See all rhymes for manual →Frequently asked questions
What does “manual” mean?
The word “manual” means a book giving instructions on how to use or operate something. In plain terms, an instruction booklet, or an adjective for anything done by hand rather than by machine.
How do you pronounce “manual”?
“Manual” is pronounced MAN-yuhl (/ˈmæn.j(u)əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “manual” in a sentence?
Here is “manual” used in a sentence: “He checked the manual before trying to fix the printer.”
What is another word for “manual”?
Words with a similar meaning to “manual” include handly, stick shift, stick, standard transmission and standard.
What is the opposite of “manual”?
The opposite of “manual” — its antonyms — is automatic.
What part of speech is “manual”?
Depending on how it is used, “manual” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “manual” come from?
The word “manual” comes from Latin. From Latin manuālis, from manus ("hand") — anything "manual" is literally hand-related.
Is “manual” a common word?
“Manual” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "manual" and "automatic"?
When describing machines or cars, "manual" means operated by a person, such as a car whose gears the driver changes, while "automatic" means the machine does the work itself. A manual transmission requires the driver to shift gears; an automatic one does it for you.
What is the difference between a "manual" and a "handbook"?
Both are instructional books, but a manual usually gives detailed instructions on how to operate or repair something specific, while a handbook tends to be a compact reference covering a subject or set of rules. The terms overlap and are sometimes used interchangeably.
When is "manual" a noun and when is it an adjective?
"Manual" is a noun when it means an instruction book, as in "read the manual," and an adjective when it means done by hand or by a person, as in "manual controls." The surrounding words show which meaning applies.
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