manual

[man-yoo-uhl, -yuhl]

adjective

1. done, operated, worked, etc., by the hand or hands rather than by an electrical or electronic device.

   a manual gearshift.

2. involving or using human effort, skill, power, energy, etc.; physical.

   manual labor.

3. of or relating to the hand or hands.

   manual deformities.

4. of the nature of a manual or handbook.

   manual instructions.

noun

1. a small book, especially one giving information or instructions.

   a manual of mathematical tables.

2. a nonelectric or nonelectronic typewriter; a typewriter whose keys and carriage may be powered solely by the typist's hands.

3. Military.,  the prescribed drill in handling a rifle.

   the manual of arms.

4. Music.,  a keyboard, especially one of several belonging to a pipe organ.

5. Automotive.,  manual transmission.

manual

/ ˈmænjʊəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a hand or hands

2. operated or done by hand

   manual controls

3. physical, as opposed to mental or mechanical

   manual labour

4. by human labour rather than automatic or computer-aided means

5. of, relating to, or resembling a manual

noun

1. a book, esp of instructions or information

   a car manual

2. music one of the keyboards played by hand on an organ

3. military the prescribed drill with small arms

Other Word Forms

• manually adverb
• nonmanual adjective
• unmanual adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of manual¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; from Latin manuālis (adjective), manuāle (noun) “(something) that can be held in the hand” ( manu(s) “hand” + -ālis, -āle -al ¹, -al ² ); replacing late Middle English manuel, from Middle French, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of manual¹

C15: via Old French from Latin manuālis, from manus hand

Example Sentences

Railway lines, trucks, plastic products, electronic communication—all have tended both to obviate the need for manual dexterity and to chip away at people’s pride in self-sufficiency.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Dealers kept some Land Rover sales to customers going in September by resorting to manual sales processes for vehicles shipped before the shutdown.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As soon as your symptoms start, the charity advises you get hands-on individualised treatment, including manual therapy, and ask for a referral for NHS physiotherapy from your GP or midwife.

Read more on BBC

Everyone, regardless of their background or status, was expected to work, and manual labor was honorable.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Using flashlights in the dark, windowless room, they combed through operating manuals.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• cookbook 
• guide 
• guidebook 
• handbook 
• reference book 
• text 
• textbook 
• workbook