kinesics

noun

ki·​ne·​sics kə-ˈnē-siks How to pronounce kinesics (audio)
kī-,
-ziks
plural in form but singular in construction
: a systematic study of the relationship between nonlinguistic body motions (such as blushes, shrugs, or eye movement) and communication

Did you know?

Anthropologists began to take serious interest in nonverbal communication through gestures, postures, and facial expressions in the 1940s. It is believed, however, that the publication of Ray Birdwhistell’s 1952 book Introduction to Kinesics marked the beginning of formal research into what we know familiarly as "body language." Over 50 years later, the results of kinesics are deeply entrenched in our culture, giving us a whole new language with which to interpret everyday encounters and interaction.

Examples of kinesics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web March’s program will also educate the viewer about the benefits of kinesics (body movement in nonverbal communication), proxemics (proper body spacing in communication), and haptics (the study of touching in nonverbal communication). Hank Beckman, chicagotribune.com, 28 Feb. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kinesics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek kinēsis motion + English -ics

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kinesics was in 1952

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Dictionary Entries Near kinesics

Cite this Entry

“Kinesics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kinesics. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

kinesics

noun
ki·​ne·​sics kə-ˈnē-siks How to pronounce kinesics (audio)
kī-,
-ziks
: the study of body motions (as blushes, shrugs, or eye movement) that communicate

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