Definition of maneuver
1a : a military or naval movementb : 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 The army and navy conducted maneuvers as training for war.
2 : a procedure or method of working usually involving expert physical movement acrobats performing dangerous maneuvers
3a : evasive movement or shift of tactics permits no room for concession or maneuver — Harry Schwartzb : an intended and controlled variation from a straight and level flight path in the operation of an airplane The aircraft performed such maneuvers as spins, loops, and inverted flights.
4a : an action taken to gain a tactical end this maneuver almost cost him the nomination — H. L. Menckenb : an adroit and clever management of affairs often using trickery and deception plaintiffs' pretrial maneuvers may be fashioned more with an eye to deterrence or retaliation than to unearthing germane material — John Marshall
From the M-W Editors
Examples of maneuver in a Sentence
With a quick maneuver, she avoided an accident.
Through a series of legal maneuvers, the defense lawyer kept her client out of jail.
He led his troops in a well-planned maneuver.
To prepare for war, the army is performing maneuvers off the coast.
The army is on maneuvers.
Origin and Etymology 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
First Known Use: 1759
Synonym Discussion of maneuver
maneuver
Definition of maneuver
maneuvered
;maneuvering
play \-ˈnü-və-riŋ, -ˈnyü-; -ˈn(y)üv-riŋ\intransitive verb
1a : to perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage The regiment maneuvered for several days before it was ready to attack.b : to make a series of changes in direction and position for a specific purpose Ships maneuvered into their docks.
2 : to use stratagems : scheme maneuvered successfully to get him to ask her to the dance
transitive verb
1 : to cause to execute tactical movements We maneuvered our troops to the south.
2 : to manage into or out of a position or condition : manipulate maneuvered the cork out with his thumb — Kay Boyle
3a : to guide with adroitness and design maneuvered her guests until the talk at the table became general — Jean Statfordb : to bring about or secure as a result of skillful management maneuvered out of the council the funds to renovate the library
Examples of maneuver in a Sentence
She maneuvered her car into the tiny garage.
It took seven people to maneuver the tiger out of its cage.
We had a hard time maneuvering our furniture through the doorway.
The giant ships maneuvered into their docks.
The vehicle easily maneuvered through rocky terrain.
They held hands while maneuvering through the crowd.
The companies are maneuvering for position in the limited market.
Somehow, she always manages to maneuver herself out of difficult situations.
We maneuvered our troops to the south.
The opposing forces maneuvered quickly.
Origin and Etymology of maneuver
see 1maneuver
First Known Use: 1777
MANEUVER Defined for English Language Learners
maneuver
playDefinition of maneuver for English Language Learners
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: a clever or skillful action or movement
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: a planned movement of soldiers or ships
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maneuvers : military activities that are done for training
maneuver
Definition of maneuver for English Language Learners
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: to move (something or someone) in a careful and usually skillful way
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: to do something in an effort to get an advantage, get out of a difficult situation, etc.
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: to move (soldiers, ships, etc.) where they are needed for battle
MANEUVER Defined for Kids
Definition of maneuver for Students
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
Definition of maneuver for Students
maneuvered
;maneuvering
1 : to guide skillfully Our captain maneuvered the boat safely into the harbor.
2 : to move troops or ships where they are needed
maneuverability
\mə-ˌnü-və-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē, -ˌnyü-\ nounmaneuverable
\-ˈnü-və-rə-bəl, -ˈnyü-\ adjectiveMedical Dictionary
maneuver
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
Learn More about maneuver
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See words that rhyme with maneuver Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for maneuver Spanish Central: Translation of maneuver Nglish: Translation of maneuver for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of maneuver for Arabic speakers
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