gestural
adjective
ges·tur·al
ˈjes-chə-rəl 
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
Examples of gestural in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The work is a massive embodiment of roiling gestural energy.
—
Julia Couzens, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2024
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
Julia Couzens, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2024
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
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
Dictionary Entries Near gestural
Cite this Entry
“Gestural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestural. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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