gestural

adjective

ges·​tur·​al ˈjes-chə-rəl How to pronounce gestural (audio)
ˈjesh-
1
: of, relating to, or consisting of gestures
2
: of, relating to, or characterized by vigorous application of paint and expressive brushwork
gestural expressionism
gesturally adverb

Examples of gestural in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Well, one of the things Kevin did was build a team, including the painter Natalie Frank, who does these very expressive, gestural paintings about sort of dystopian fairy tales. Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Nov. 2023 But the gestural individualism of Abstract Expressionism, then at the tail end of its dominance, held no appeal for him. Will Heinrich, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2023 In addition to teaching literature, Dr. Stokoe was investigating the grammar and syntax of sign language, which at the time was considered nothing more than a gestural derivative of spoken English. Clay Risen, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2023 But Karloff would play it with unusual emotional acuity, eliciting compassion through gestural pleas to be understood. Hazlitt, 6 Sep. 2023 In addition to teaching literature, Stokoe was investigating the grammar and syntax of sign language, which at the time was considered nothing more than a gestural derivative of spoken English. Clay Risen, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Aug. 2023 Portrait of the Artist as a Young Derelict, created in Basquiat’s Crosby Street studio, incorporates his three-pointed crowns, anatomical studies, and provocative text, magnified by gestural brushstrokes. Natasha Gural, Forbes, 30 Apr. 2022 That is why his support for the Iranian rebellion was merely gestural. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 17 June 2023 The array of vibrant colors and gestural brushstrokes burst from Attestation (Vouch), oil stick, pigment, and charcoal mingling along with the inscriptions, motifs, and symbols that engage us on a journey through Martins’ dynamic practice and singular visual language. Natasha Gural, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gestural.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gestural was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near gestural

Cite this Entry

“Gestural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestural. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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