gesticulate

verb

ges·​tic·​u·​late je-ˈsti-kyə-ˌlāt How to pronounce gesticulate (audio)
gesticulated; gesticulating
Synonyms of gesticulatenext

intransitive verb

: to make gestures especially when speaking
arguing and gesticulating wildly
gesticulative adjective
gesticulator noun
gesticulatory adjective

Examples of gesticulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Onstage, Abrams seemed the more demure of the two, strumming her guitar behind a mic stand while Hobert held her microphone in her hand and gesticulated with authorial flair. Carrie Battan, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026 An expressive Spanberger, at times gesticulating in a Tim Walz-like manner, bantered with Spanish-speaking supporters seated before her, eliciting slight chuckles and approving nods scattered around the eatery. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025 Their remaining team-mates applauded the away enclosure, but many in that section were gesticulating their disdain. Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025 During the third set against Jarry, Norrie gesticulated often at a row of young men just in front of me, who were urging him on. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for gesticulate

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gesticulate was circa 1609

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gesticulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gesticulate. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

gesticulate

verb
ges·​tic·​u·​late je-ˈstik-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce gesticulate (audio)
gesticulated; gesticulating
: to make gestures especially when speaking
gesticulation
-ˌstik-yə-ˈlā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gesticulate

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