- a variation of maneuver.
manoeuvre
Americannoun
noun
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a contrived, complicated, and possibly deceptive plan or action
political manoeuvres
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a movement or action requiring dexterity and skill
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a tactic or movement of one or a number of military or naval units
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(plural) tactical exercises, usually on a large scale
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a planned movement of an aircraft in flight
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any change from the straight steady course of a ship
verb
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(tr) to contrive or accomplish with skill or cunning
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(intr) to manipulate situations, etc, in order to gain some end
to manoeuvre for the leadership
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(intr) to perform a manoeuvre or manoeuvres
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to move or deploy or be moved or deployed, as military units, etc
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of manoeuvre
C15: from French, from Medieval Latin manuopera manual work, from Latin manū operāre to work with the hand
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The movement's leader Khalil al-Hayaa lives in Qatar and has tried to manoeuvre diplomatically to Hamas's advantage.
From Barron's ● Oct. 3, 2026
Both the Swiss government and parliament have rejected the proposal, arguing it is too dogmatic and would limit the country's room for manoeuvre at a time of soaring geopolitical tensions.
From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026
With borrowing costs for last month soaring to their second highest level, his room for manoeuvre is limited and he will not scoop his own Budget next month by announcing what is in it.
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026
Even if Merz stays in post, his political clout and credibility, his room for manoeuvre inside a fractious coalition government, will be restricted.
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
Sometimes this manoeuvre can be justified; but often it gives rise to a new sort of Whig history.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
According to the UK defence source, the Russian frigate appeared to have been "drifting rather than being manoeuvred under power, which may have made her feel more vulnerable".
From Barron's ● Jun. 16, 2026
With a steady hand, she manoeuvred a huge wind turbine section, five metres in diameter, across the yard.
From Barron's ● Mar. 7, 2026
For the first time ever, SpaceX successfully manoeuvred the bottom part of the vehicle, the Super Heavy booster, back to the launch pad.
From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2024
Two students manoeuvred a flatscreen television through protesters and metal security barriers.
From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2024
He manoeuvred the ship over the ruins of Epidaurus.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
Ex-health minister Wes Streeting, also manoeuvring for the top job, said Tuesday the prime minister should be given "space over the weekend" to consider his future.
From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026
Both sides have been manoeuvring around these positions all year, trying to reinforce roads access and fortifications around them.
From BBC ● Dec. 10, 2025
For months however, factions within the ZANU-PF have been manoeuvring for the extension.
From Barron's ● Oct. 18, 2025
"So even though you might be selected as leader, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2025
The Nazis are manoeuvring him like a pawn.
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
