gesticulation

noun

ges·​tic·​u·​la·​tion je-ˌsti-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce gesticulation (audio)
1
: the act of making gestures
2
: gesture
especially : an expressive gesture made in showing strong feeling or in enforcing an argument

Examples of gesticulation in a Sentence

as the argument grew more heated, his gesticulations got bigger and wilder
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.
Eli Mintz, a Yiddish-theatre star, played Uncle David with a high, wheedling voice, his hands a blur of gesticulation, and the Goldberg children were portrayed by Gentile actors, including the endearing Arlene (Fuzzy) McQuade as the preteen Rosalie, a studious girl with a sleek bob. Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025 Musk also has a history of doing weird gesticulations on stage. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 Darius was also quite good but went a little too over the top with his gesticulations to come off sincere. Charlie Mason, TVLine, 10 Mar. 2025 As the bit continued, Gardner increased her wildly gesticulation and rising-and-bobbing out of her chair. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for gesticulation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gesticulation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gesticulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gesticulation. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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