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

It means she's not eligible for a powered chair, but does have a manual wheelchair from the NHS.

From BBC

The US firm has not put a timeline on when it will be ready and is urging ground handlers and airlines to plan for at least another week of using manual workarounds.

From BBC

These lawsuits come on the tail of a recent change in the Starbucks training manuals that outline step-by-step how employees should interact with customers to make them feel welcome and appreciated.

From Salon

Brussels Airport said manual check-in would continue on Sunday and that extra staff had been drafted in to help minimise disruption.

From BBC

The company added: "The impact is limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop and can be mitigated with manual check-in operations."

From BBC

Related Words

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