gesture

noun ges·ture \ ˈjes-chər , ˈjesh- \

|Updated on: 13 Aug 2018

Definition of gesture

1 archaic : carriage, bearing

2 : a movement usually of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea, sentiment, or attitude

raised his hand overhead in a gesture of triumph

3 : the use of motions of the limbs or body as a means of expression

4 : something said or done by way of formality or courtesy, as a symbol or token, or for its effect on the attitudes of others

a political gesture to draw popular support
—V. L. Parrington

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See gesture defined for kids

Examples of gesture in a Sentence

Specific gestures can indicate particular moods.
His arm was raised in a gesture of defiance.

Recent Examples of gesture from the Web

Royalists and anti-royalists alike were appalled at Trump’s disrespectful gesture.

— meagan fredette, refinery29.com, "Trump Ends Tumultuous U.K. Visit With A Breach In Royal Protocol," 14 July 2018
Swiss players Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri — born in Kosovo — showed anti-Serbian sentiment with hand gestures that could have resulted in suspensions during a group stage game.

— hayden bird, BostonGlobe.com, "What to know about the World Cup title match," 14 July 2018
The singer is seen smoking (what looks like a blunt), as Jameel gestures defensively.

— leah rodriguez, The Cut, "Rihanna Responds to Memes of Her Arguing With Boyfriend With a Meme of Her Own," 12 July 2018
Which is to the benefit of anyone who values music at once sophisticated in content but accessible in musical gesture.

— howard reich, chicagotribune.com, "From Bernstein to Broadway to Latin jazz," 12 July 2018
As the principal characters change, Hong charts their growth through a subtle visual language that emphasizes minute gestures and interpersonal rifts.

— ben sachs, Chicago Reader, "Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee's real-life affair yields a trio of films about infidelity," 12 July 2018
And, in a particularly poignant gesture, Posley and Martin leaped to the stage to stand with a student whose family could not be there.

— annysa johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Harley-Davidson signs 4 MPS Bradley Tech students as youth apprentices," 11 July 2018
But while arriving at the Royal Air Force Westminster Abbey service on Tuesday, the Duke and Duchess opted for a close but coy gesture of affection in public, with Meghan holding tightly onto her husband’s arm during their arrival.

— lucy wood, Marie Claire, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Shy PDA is the Sweetest Part of Their RAF Centenary Appearance," 10 July 2018
What grand gestures and tiny acts of service have melted you?

— anna pulley, RedEye Chicago, "Ask Anna: How can I help someone who's scared to fall in love?," 9 July 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of gesture

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin gestura mode of action, from Latin gestus, past participle of gerere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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gesture Synonyms

Synonyms

amenity, attention, civility, courtesy, formality, pleasantry, politeness;

Related Words

honors;

ceremony, observance, rite, ritual;

decorum, etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties;

addresses, devoirs, greetings, regards, respects;

favor, grace, kindliness, kindness;

protocol, rules;

gesture

verb

Definition of gesture

gestured; gesturing

intransitive verb

: to make a gesture (see ¹gesture 2)

transitive verb

: to express or direct by a gesture (see ¹gesture 2)

See gesture defined for English-language learners

Examples of gesture in a Sentence

She gestured towards the fireplace.
He gestured at his audience.
The room was filled with angry people shouting and gesturing.
He gestured to his partner to leave.

Recent Examples of gesture from the Web

Khalid Boutaib was flattened by Jose Fonte in an aerial challenge that again had the Moroccans up in arms, with Renard warned for gesturing for the video assistant referee.

— martyn wood, chicagotribune.com, "Ronaldo again leads Portugal to victory against Morocco," 20 June 2018
Imagine Stewart gesturing wildly during the beautiful rant that followed, then mock-storming off stage ...

— peter hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle, "Jon Stewart dropped by S.F., but it felt like he’s been here the whole time," 6 June 2018
The image of James gesturing to Smith after his error has created a social media stir.

— kathleen joyce, Fox News, "LeBron James reaction to J.R. Smith's flub becomes epic meme," 1 June 2018
There is no sound on the clip, but the person looks agitated while speaking to a cashier and gesturing in an aggressive manner.

— madeleine marr, miamiherald, "A Canadian woman really needed to use the bathroom. Then she got angry, cops say. | Miami Herald," 16 May 2018
In his attack on Germany, Trump was gesturing at a genuine controversy.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump at NATO Summit: Germany Is ‘Captive to Russia’," 11 July 2018
Pollock said, gesturing to the five men wearing navy blue uniforms next to him.

— nicholas bogel-burroughs, baltimoresun.com, "LifeBridge Health investment to expand Park Heights landscaping crew's reach," 29 June 2018
Cacares gestured to the spot for the record 20th penalty kick of the World Cup, and Karim Ansarifard converted in the third minute of stoppage time to give Iran a 1-1 draw.

— ronald blum, The Seattle Times, "Screen plays: World Cup matchups turn on late video reviews," 25 June 2018
Whitley gestured at his left side when he was met by a trainer on the mound, according to video shot by KIII 3 TV sports director Chris Thomasson.

— chandler rome, Houston Chronicle, "Astros prospect Forrest Whitley exits first inning of start with apparent injury," 5 July 2018

Origin and Etymology of gesture

see ¹gesture

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1542

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

See Words from the same year

gesture Synonyms

Synonyms

beckon, flag, motion, signal, wave;

Related Words

nod;

gesticulate, mime, pantomime, sign;

signalize;

acquaint, advise, inform, relate, tell;

flourish, shrug;

GESTURE Defined for English Language Learners

gesture

noun

Definition of gesture for English Language Learners

: a movement of your body (especially of your hands and arms) that shows or emphasizes an idea or a feeling
: something said or done to show a particular feeling or attitude