maneuver Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a military training exercise
    simulated military operation; manoeuvre.
  2. noun a plan for attaining a particular goal
    manoeuvre; tactics; tactic.
  3. noun a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
    play; manoeuvre.
    • he made a great maneuver
    • the runner was out on a play by the shortstop
  4. noun a move made to gain a tactical end
    tactical manoeuvre; manoeuvre; tactical maneuver.
  5. noun an action aimed at evading an opponent
    manoeuvre; evasive action.
  6. verb direct the course; determine the direction of travelling
    head; point; direct; guide; channelise; manoeuvre; channelize; manoeuver; steer.
  7. verb act in order to achieve a certain goal
    manoeuvre; manoeuver.
    • He maneuvered to get the chairmanship
    • She maneuvered herself into the directorship
  8. verb perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense
    manoeuvre; manoeuver; operate.

WordNet


Ma*neu"ver, Ma*noeu"vre noun (Also<
  • Maneuver
  • Manoeuvre
)
Etymology
F. manoeuvre, OF. manuevre, LL. manopera, lit., hand work, manual labor; L.manus hand + opera, fr. opus work. See Manual, Operate, and cf. Mainor, Manure.
Definitions
  1. Management; dexterous movement; specif., a military or naval evolution, movement, or change of position.
  2. Management with address or artful design; adroit proceeding; stratagem.
Ma*neu"ver, Ma*noeu"vre intransitive verb (Also<
  • Maneuver
  • Manoeuvre
)
Etymology
Cf. F. manoeuvrer. See Maneuver, n.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Maneuvered or Manoeuvred; present participle & verbal noun Maneuvering or Manoeuvring
Definitions
  1. To perform a movement or movements in military or naval tactics; to make changes in position with reference to getting advantage in attack or defense.
  2. To manage with address or art; to scheme.
Ma*neu"ver, Ma*noeu"vre transitive verb (Also<
  • Maneuver
  • Manoeuvre
)
Definitions
  1. To change the positions of, as of troops of ships.

Webster 1913