1
: a movement usually of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea, sentiment, or attitude
raised his hand overhead in a gesture of triumph
2
: the use of motions of the limbs or body as a means of expression
3
: something said or done by way of formality or courtesy, as a symbol or token, or for its effect on the attitudes of others
… a political gesture to draw popular support …—
V. L. Parrington
V. L. Parrington
gestured; gesturing
: to make a gesture (see gesture entry 1 sense 1)
: to express or direct by a gesture (see gesture entry 1 sense 1)
Examples of gesture in a Sentence
Noun
Specific gestures can indicate particular moods.
His arm was raised in a gesture of defiance.
Verb
She gestured towards the fireplace.
He gestured at his audience.
The room was filled with angry people shouting and gesturing.
He gestured to his partner to leave.
Recent Examples on the Web
Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
Aaron thought about writing an op-ed or speaking at a rally, but such gestures struck him as painfully insufficient.
—Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
The two talked for more than 10 minutes, taking turns gesturing pointedly.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
After a kind gesture to airport employees in Georgia didn't go as planned, Tyler Perry found a workaround.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
Aaron thought about writing an op-ed or speaking at a rally, but such gestures struck him as painfully insufficient.
—Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
Kunzweiler gestured toward the defense table, where Wilkens sat in a striped orange jail jumpsuit, her handcuffs padlocked to a heavy chain at her waist, her ankles shackled together in leg irons.
—Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
The two talked for more than 10 minutes, taking turns gesturing pointedly.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Cite this Entry
“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gesture. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gesture
1 of 2 noun
ges·ture
ˈjes-chər 
ˈjesh-
1
: a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or a feeling
2
: something said or done by way of courtesy or for its effect on other people
a political gesture
gesture
2 of 2 verb
gestured; gesturing
: to make or direct with a gesture
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
