noun
maneuver
muh-NOO-vuh
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 notesIn 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.
Common pairings
military maneuver
evasive maneuver
political maneuvering
Word Forms
maneuvered past tense, maneuvers plural, maneuvers singular
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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."