Manual is a word with several related senses. It can refer to doing something by hand, something that depends on human effort rather than automationUse of machines or software to do tasks automatically., or a book that gives instructionsDirections that explain how to do a task or use something.. It also has a specialized militaryConnected with armed forces, soldiers, or war. meaning.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈmænjuəl/
Easy pronunciation: MAN-yoo-uhl (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable: MAN.
Adjective meaning done by hand or requiring human effort rather than a machine or computer.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Manual Meaning
done by people, not by a machine or computer
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: done by hand or using human effort rather than a machine
Example: This car has a manual transmission.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- nonautomatic — Works for the automation sense, but is less natural than 'manual' in everyday English.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Manual
Meaning 2
involving hands-on work
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: doing or requiring physical work
Example: He does manual labor in a warehouse.
Meaning 3
connected with the hands
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: of or relating to the hands
Example: She has excellent manual dexterity.
Meaning 4
a book of instructions or information
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a small handbook
Example: Check the manual before you set up the printer.
Meaning 5
a military rifle drill
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a prescribed drill in handling a rifle
Example: The recruits practiced the manual of arms.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- manual of arms — This is the established term for the military drill sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Manual Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- nonautomatic
a small handbook
- handbook
- guidebook
a prescribed drill in handling a rifle
- manual of arms
doing or requiring physical work
- physical
- hands-on
of or relating to the hands
- manual
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes confuse manual (an instruction book) with manual (done by hand).
- Manual in 'manual transmission' means not automatic, not 'written by hand'.
- The plural manuals usually means instruction books, not hand-based skills.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does manual mean?
Manual can mean done by hand, requiring human effort, relating to the hands, or a handbook with instructions. It also has a special military meaning.
What is a manual in a computer or product context?
It usually means an instruction book or guide that explains how to use something.
What is the synonym of manual?
For the common adjective sense, a close synonym is nonautomatic. Other senses have different synonyms, such as handbook for the instruction-book sense and manual of arms for the military sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.