First Known Use: 1758
Dictionary
1maneuver
noun ma·neu·ver \mə-ˈnü-vər, -ˈnyü-\
: a clever or skillful action or movement
: a planned movement of soldiers or ships
maneuvers : military activities that are done for training
Full Definition of MANEUVER
1
a : a military or naval movement b : an armed forces training exercise; especially : an extended and large-scale training exercise involving military and naval units separately or in combination —often used in plural
2
: a procedure or method of working usually involving expert physical movement
3
a : evasive movement or shift of tactics b : an intended and controlled variation from a straight and level flight path in the operation of an airplane
4
a : an action taken to gain a tactical end b : an adroit and clever management of affairs often using trickery and deception
See maneuver defined for English-language learners
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Origin of MANEUVER
French manœuvre, from Old French maneuvre work done by hand, from Medieval Latin manuopera, from manu operare to perform manual labor — more at manure
Synonym Discussion of MANEUVER
trick, ruse, stratagem, maneuver, artifice, wile, feint mean an indirect means to gain an end. trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end <the tricks of the trade>. ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression <the ruses of smugglers>. stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy <the stratagem-filled game>. maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty <last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy>. artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention <the clever artifices of the stage>. wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements <used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself>. feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent <a feint toward the enemy's left flank>.
Rhymes with MANEUVER
2maneuver
verb
: to move (something or someone) in a careful and usually skillful way
: to do something in an effort to get an advantage, get out of a difficult situation, etc.
: to move (soldiers, ships, etc.) where they are needed for battle
ma·neu·veredma·neu·ver·ing \-ˈnü-və-riŋ, -ˈnyü-; -ˈn(y)üv-riŋ\
Full Definition of MANEUVER
intransitive verb
1
a : to perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage b : to make a series of changes in direction and position for a specific purpose
2
: to use stratagems : scheme
transitive verb
1
: to cause to execute tactical movements
2
: to manage into or out of a position or condition : manipulate
3
a : to guide with adroitness and design b : to bring about or secure as a result of skillful management
— ma·neu·ver·abil·i·ty \-ˌnü-və-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē, -ˌnyü-; -ˌn(y)üv-rə-\ noun
— ma·neu·ver·able \-ˈnü-və-rə-bəl, -ˈnyü-; -ˈn(y)üv-rə-\ adjective
— ma·neu·ver·er \-ˈnü-vər-ər, -ˈnyü-\ noun
See maneuver defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MANEUVER
1777
Related to MANEUVER
- Synonyms
- address, contend (with), cope (with), field, grapple (with), hack, manage, handle, manipulate, negotiate, play, swing, take, treat
MANEUVERED Defined for Kids
1maneuver
noun ma·neu·ver \mə-ˈnü-vər, -ˈnyü-\
Definition of MANEUVER for Kids
1
: skillful action or management <The driver avoided an accident by a quick maneuver.>
2
: a training exercise by armed forces
3
: a planned movement of troops or ships
2maneuver
verb
ma·neu·veredma·neu·ver·ing
Definition of MANEUVER for Kids
1
: to guide skillfully <Our captain maneuvered the boat safely into the harbor.>
2
: to move troops or ships where they are needed
— ma·neu·ver·abil·i·ty \mə-ˌnü-və-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē, -ˌnyü-\ noun
— ma·neu·ver·able \-ˈnü-və-rə-bəl, -ˈnyü-\ adjective
Medical Dictionary
maneuver
noun ma·neu·ver
Medical Definition of MANEUVER
1
: a movement, procedure, or method performed to achieve a desired result and especially to restore a normal physiological state or to promote normal function <the simplest maneuver to actuate the normal eustachian tube is to swallow—H. G. Armstrong>—see heimlich maneuver, valsalva maneuver
2
: a manipulation to accomplish a change of position; specifically : rotational or other movement applied to a fetus within the uterus to alter its position and facilitate delivery—see scanzoni maneuver
Variants of MANEUVER
ma·neu·ver or chiefly British ma·noeu·vre \mə-ˈn(y)ü-vər\
Learn More About MANEUVER
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