maneuver
muh-NOO-ver
/məˈnuːvə/
A movement or series of moves requiring skill and care.
Implies a strategic or tactical purpose, not just a random movement.
The story behind the word. Originally from the Medieval Latin 'manuopera,' meaning 'hand-work.' It evolved through French to describe skillful handling, especially in a military or nautical context.
Word relationships
- tactic: A tactic is a plan; a maneuver is the physical execution of that plan.
- blunder: A careless or clumsy mistake.
Commonly confused with
- movement: Movement is generic; maneuver implies skill and strategy.
Word family
- maneuverable (adjective): Easy to move or steer.
- maneuverability (noun): The quality of being easy to steer.
Collocations
- tactical maneuver
- evasive maneuver
- brilliant maneuver
Idioms & expressions
- room to maneuver
Example sentences
- "It was a daring maneuver on the inside of the final turn." Race commentary
- "The maneuver was executed with such precision that the opponent had no room to react." Historical racing text
Memory hook
A 'man' using his 'nerves' to 'maneuver' through traffic. Skillful hand-work.
When not to use
Avoid using for simple, thoughtless movements like walking across a room.
Fun facts
- The spelling 'manoeuvre' is preferred in British English, while 'maneuver' is American.
Also appears in
- Military Science & Warfare → Military Strategy & Tactics
- Military Science & Warfare → Warfare & Combat Operations
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Winter & Ice Sports
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Team Ball Sports
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Coaching, Strategy & Tactics
- Everyday Transportation & Driving → Driving Maneuvers & Parking
- Skilled Trades & Construction → Heavy Machinery & Earthmoving
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