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
Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Neither of them said anything, but the hug from his unsung hero changed his life, and Schwartz has since tried to pass along that kind gesture to others who may be in pain.
—NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Cain laughed and gestured to the shelf behind him.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gesture
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Noun
And although she was asked to be Towanda’s maid of honor, Tamar admitted the gesture didn’t feel the most sincere.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Neither of them said anything, but the hug from his unsung hero changed his life, and Schwartz has since tried to pass along that kind gesture to others who may be in pain.
—NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
Bosko's sister made it within steps of Green before security came out and gestured her off the stage.
—Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Cain laughed and gestured to the shelf behind him.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Cite this Entry
“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gesture. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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
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