What does maneuver mean?
A maneuver is a carefully planned movement or action, especially one designed to achieve a strategic result. The term is often used for military operations, but it also describes political, diplomatic, business, and competitive moves that require timing, flexibility, and skill. As a verb, maneuver can refer to moving a vehicle or body with precision, as well as manipulating a situation through a series of calculated actions. The word often carries a mildly strategic or even deceptive connotation: a maneuver may be an ingenious solution, or it may be an attempt to gain an advantage without obvious confrontation. The US spelling is maneuver; British English generally uses manoeuvre. Both forms are pronounced similarly, with stress on the second syllable.
A planned movement, action, or strategic step intended to achieve a particular result, especially in military, diplomatic, or competitive contexts.
"The troops executed the maneuver under cover of darkness."
Can refer to a specific physical movement or to a broader strategic or political action.
To move a vehicle or body carefully and deliberately, or to use strategic actions to gain an advantage.
"The driver maneuvered around the obstacle and continued along the narrow lane."
In figurative uses, it often implies deliberate, strategic, or possibly manipulative action.
The plural commonly refers to coordinated tactical movements or to a series of strategic actions.
"The negotiators made several maneuvers to reach a compromise."
The word maneuver began as a description of work done by hand, before evolving into a metaphor for careful movement and ingenious strategy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does maneuver come from?
The word comes from French manœuvre, meaning a maneuver or piece of skillful work, and ultimately from the Latin phrase manu operari, “to work by hand.” The underlying elements manus, “hand,” and operari, “to work,” reflect the word’s original sense of manual or military operation. English borrowed the term in the context of military movements and later extended it to political, commercial, and figurative strategic actions. Its French-derived form and the spelling “manoeuvre” remain standard in British English.
Related word forms
How maneuver is actually used
The word is especially common in military, political, diplomatic, business, and competitive contexts. In British English, the spelling “manoeuvre” is standard, while “maneuver” is widely understood and is the usual form in American English.
Easily confused with maneuver
Maneuver is the usual US spelling, whereas manoeuvre is the standard spelling in British English.