gesticulate

verb ges·tic·u·late \ je-ˈsti-kyə-ˌlāt \

Definition of gesticulate

gesticulated; gesticulating

intransitive verb

:to make gestures especially when speaking

arguing and gesticulating wildly

—

gesticulative

play \je-ˈsti-kyə-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective

—

gesticulator

play \je-ˈsti-kyə-ˌlā-tər\ noun

—

gesticulatory

play \je-ˈsti-kyə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

See gesticulate defined for English-language learners

See gesticulate defined for kids

Recent Examples of gesticulate from the Web

The at-times demonstrative Australian jawed with match officials and, at one point in the first set, appeared to gesticulate angrily toward his coaches sitting courtside.

— patrick brennan, Cincinnati.com, "Grigor Dimitrov takes 2017 Western & Southern singles title," 20 Aug. 2017
On an adjacent field, middle linebacker Ray Lewis has gathered the Lombardi-Accorsi defense in a circle and is gesticulating wildly, raising and lowering his voice as if preaching to a congregation.

— tim layden, SI.com, "The MMQB All-Time Draft: The Ultimate Football Fantasy," 19 July 2017
An irate Vettel then accelerated alongside Hamilton, gesticulated and moved his car to the right and into him.

— jerome pugmire, The Seattle Times, "Rivals Hamilton, Vettel clash as Ricciardo wins chaotic race," 25 June 2017
The three-time major champion and current No. 1 player is known for muttering to himself and gesticulating, often while looking at coach Ivan Lendl and other members of his team.

— ap, USA TODAY, "The Latest: Murray jokes about his between-point actions," 3 June 2017
Members of the delegation were observed gesticulating and complaining loudly outside the ballroom after the speech.

— Bloomberg.com, "Australian Leader Warns China Against Trying to Bully Neighbors," 2 June 2017
Video of the scuffle shows lawmakers pushing one another, yelling and gesticulating.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "Texas lawmakers tussle after official calls ICE on protesters," 29 May 2017
The report said that Guzman quickly approached the officers while holding a knife in her right hand, gesticulating with her left hand and yelling something unintelligible.

— monique judge, The Root, "LAPD Officers Will Not Be Charged in Fatal 2015 Shooting of Woman They Say Had a Knife," 11 May 2017
The report said that Guzman quickly approached the officers while holding a knife in her right hand, gesticulating with her left hand and yelling something unintelligible.

— marisa gerber, latimes.com, "No charges against LAPD officers who fatally shot a woman in controversial 2015 downtown killing," 10 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gesticulate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of gesticulate

Latin gesticulatus, past participle of gesticulari, from *gesticulus, diminutive of gestus — see ¹gesture

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1609

See Words from the same year

GESTICULATE Defined for English Language Learners

gesticulate

verb

Definition of gesticulate for English Language Learners

: to move your arms and hands especially when speaking in an angry or emotional way

GESTICULATE Defined for Kids

gesticulate

verb ges·tic·u·late \ je-ˈsti-kyə-ˌlāt \

Definition of gesticulate for Students

gesticulated; gesticulating

:to make gestures especially when speaking

He gesticulated wildly during their argument.

Learn More about gesticulate

See words that rhyme with gesticulate Nglish: Translation of gesticulate for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up gesticulate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

gesticulate

Definition of gesticulate

gesticulative

gesticulator

gesticulatory

Recent Examples of gesticulate from the Web

Origin and Etymology of gesticulate

GESTICULATE Defined for English Language Learners

gesticulate

Definition of gesticulate for English Language Learners

GESTICULATE Defined for Kids

gesticulate

Definition of gesticulate for Students

Learn More about gesticulate

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

knee-jerk

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

I'll Have the Us(ual)

The Origins of 'Lobbyist'

The History of the Word 'Terrorism'

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

The Exceptions Quiz III

Forms of Government Quiz

Name That Thing

Citation

The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066

gesticulate

Definition of gesticulate

gesticulative

gesticulator

gesticulatory

Explore Merriam-Webster

Recent Examples of gesticulate from the Web

Origin and Etymology of gesticulate

GESTICULATE Defined for English Language Learners

gesticulate

Definition of gesticulate for English Language Learners

GESTICULATE Defined for Kids

gesticulate

Definition of gesticulate for Students

Learn More about gesticulate

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066