WordGarden.iomaneuverable
C2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /məˈnuvərəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
able to be steered, turned, or moved easily
Beyond the definition
Imagine a nimble sailboat gliding through the water - that's maneuverable. It means something can be moved or controlled easily, especially when space is limited or quick direction changes are needed. A small car is more maneuverable in city traffic than a large truck. If you're playing a video game with a character that turns quickly and responds well to your commands, that character feels very maneuverable.
The word comes from the French manoeuvrer, meaning "to handle" or "manage." It is most often used for vehicles such as cars, boats, and planes, but it can also describe machines or tools that are easy to handle. Sometimes people use it more broadly for a plan or system that can be adjusted without much trouble, though that use is less common.
To describe something as maneuverable is to say it possesses the ability to move with ease and skill, especially in confined spaces or challenging conditions. It's more than just being able to move; it implies a high degree of control, agility, and responsiveness. Think about a fighter pilot expertly maneuvering their plane through enemy airspace—the aircraft's high maneuverability is what allows for such precision.
Originally referring to military tactics (hence the root relating to "hand-working" or handling), maneuverable is most commonly used in technical or mechanical contexts. A compact car is far more maneuverable in a crowded parking lot than an RV because it can turn and navigate tight corners with greater ease. Similarly, a kayak is more maneuverable on a winding river than a heavy freighter.
However, the term is used most naturally for physical objects, especially ones that need to turn, steer, or be guided with care. In broader writing, people sometimes describe a plan, system, or strategy as maneuverable if it can be adjusted quickly as circumstances change, but this is a more figurative use.
The key idea is that maneuverable suggests not just movement, but controlled movement - the ability to change direction or position with ease and precision. So when you see a small boat slip through a narrow channel or a compact car handle a tight turn smoothly, you're seeing what it means to be maneuverable.
Examples
- 1
Everyday objects
The stroller is light and maneuverable, so it works well in crowded stores.
- 2
City driving
We chose a smaller car because it is more maneuverable on narrow city streets.
- 3
Beginner sports
The kayak is stable but still maneuverable enough for beginners.
- 4
Aircraft
Helicopters are more maneuverable than airplanes in tight spaces.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Robotics
The company wants a maneuverable robot that can move around furniture and cables.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- responsive
- agile
- easy to handle
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- highly maneuverable
- maneuverable vehicle
- maneuverable aircraft
- small and maneuverable
Word family
Explore
- mobility
- turning radius
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- maneuverableadjective