ma·neu·ver (m?-no?o?v?r, -nyo?o?-)n.1. a. A movement or combination of movements involving skill and dexterity: a gymnastics maneuver.b. A controlled change in movement or direction of a moving vehicle or vessel, as in the flight path of an aircraft.2. a. A strategic or tactical military or naval movement.b. often maneuvers A large-scale tactical exercise carried out under simulated conditions of war.3. a. A skillful or cunning action undertaken to gain an end: “the canny maneuvers of a man after money and ease” (Cynthia Ozick). See Synonyms at wile.b. The undertaking of such actions: “a skilled diplomat’s eye for maneuver” (Garry Wills).v. ma·neu·vered, ma·neu·ver·ing, ma·neu·vers v.intr.1. To make a controlled series of changes in movement or direction toward an objective: maneuvered to get closer to the stage.2. To carry out a military or naval maneuver.3. To act with skill or cunning in gaining an end: The opposition maneuvered to force a vote.v.tr.1. To move or direct through a series of movements or changes in course: maneuvered the drill into position; maneuvered the car through traffic.2. To alter the tactical placement of (troops or warships).3. To manipulate into a desired position or toward a predetermined goal: maneuvered him into signing the contract.[French man?uvre, from Old French maneuvre, manual work, from Medieval Latin manuopera, from Latin man? oper?r?, to work by hand : man?, ablative of manus, hand; see man- in Indo-European roots + oper?r?, to work; see op- in Indo-European roots.]ma·neu?ver·a·bil?i·ty n.ma·neu?ver·a·ble adj.ma·neu?ver·er n.American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.maneuver (m??nu?v?) n, vb the usual US spelling of manoeuvre ma?neuverable adj ma?neuvera?bility n ma?neuverer n ma?neuvering nCollins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014ma?neu?ver (m??nu v?r) n. 1. a planned movement of troops, warships, etc. 2. maneuvers, a series of tactical exercises simulating the conditions of war, carried out by large bodies of military or naval personnel, sometimes together. 3. an act or instance of changing the direction of a moving vehicle. 4. a physical movement or procedure, esp. when skillful. 5. a clever or crafty tactic; ploy. v.t. 6. to change the position of by a maneuver. 7. to position, manipulate, or make by maneuvers: to maneuver one’s way across rocks. 8. to steer as required. v.i. 9. to perform a maneuver or maneuvers. 10. to scheme; intrigue. Also, esp. Brit., manoeuvre.[1750?60;