manoeuvre

[ muh-noo-ver ]

noun

, ma·noeu·vred, ma·noeu·vring.

1. Chiefly British. a variant of maneuver.

manoeuvre

/ məˈnuːvə /

noun

1. a contrived, complicated, and possibly deceptive plan or action

   political manoeuvres

2. a movement or action requiring dexterity and skill
3. 1. a tactic or movement of one or a number of military or naval units
   2. plural tactical exercises, usually on a large scale
4. a planned movement of an aircraft in flight
5. any change from the straight steady course of a ship

verb

1. tr to contrive or accomplish with skill or cunning
2. intr to manipulate situations, etc, in order to gain some end

   to manoeuvre for the leadership

3. intr to perform a manoeuvre or manoeuvres
4. to move or deploy or be moved or deployed, as military units, etc

Derived Forms

• maˈnoeuvrer, noun
• maˈnoeuvring, noun
• maˌnoeuvraˈbility, noun
• maˈnoeuvrable, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of manoeuvre¹

C15: from French, from Medieval Latin manuopera manual work, from Latin manū operāre to work with the hand

Example Sentences

Rather than higher inflation, tumbling oil prices point to reduced price pressure and more room for manoeuvre for central bankers.

From The Daily Beast

He even had to manoeuvre daily how to escape him, and violent scenes were of constant occurrence between them.

From Project Gutenberg

The sun had disappeared below the horizon, and the shades of evening had set in, before this manoeuvre had been accomplished.

From Project Gutenberg

Preferred rather to shift, manoeuvre and negotiate; which he did in a most vigilant, adroit and masterly manner.

From Project Gutenberg

But it was soon evident that no manoeuvre was intended, and that the Major was taking the direct road homeward.

From Project Gutenberg

No manoeuvre could mislead the clear judgment that presided serenely in that soul of fire.

From Project Gutenberg