Definition of maneuver
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: 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 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 Schwartz
b
: 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. Mencken
b
: 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
maneuver
verbDefinition of maneuver (Entry 2 of 2)
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
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 Statford
b
: to bring about or secure as a result of skillful management
maneuvered out of the council the funds to renovate the library
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Time Traveler for maneuver
The first known use of maneuver was in 1759
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