gesture

1 of 2

noun

ges·​ture ˈjes-chər 

ˈjesh-

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

4

archaic : carriage, bearing

gesture

2 of 2

verb

gestured; gesturing

intransitive verb

: to make a gesture (see gesture entry 1 sense 1)

transitive verb

: to express or direct by a gesture (see gesture entry 1 sense 1)

Synonyms of gesture

Noun

• sign
• signal
• posture
• wave
• gesticulation

Verb

• motion
• wave

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

Noun

Forget flowers, the men of dark romances maim as a grand gesture. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 18 July 2026

While Kali’s protruding tongue is sometimes interpreted as a gesture of embarrassment or shame, the Rolling Stones’ logo reimagines it as a symbol of protest and antiestablishment sentiment. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026

Verb

Isul gestured to the kitchen wall clock, then picked up her toast and jam. — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

Conde didn’t touch that topic but found a way to gesture at the divide. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin gestura mode of action, from Latin gestus, past participle of gerere

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Verb

1542, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing gesture

• gesture language
• symbolic gesture

Rhymes for gesture

• bestir
• vesture

Kids 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