gesture

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noun ges·ture \ˈjes-chər, ˈjesh-\

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

See gesture defined for English-language learners

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

Fashionably stubbled and sporting a crisp white shirt and jeans, the Pakistani designer gestures towards the racks of sumptuous dresses in his Karachi showroom to make his point.

— The Economist, "The elephant in its labyrinthIn the race with its tricky neighbour, India has recently been winning," 22 July 2017
A cease-fire may still be a long way off, but the gesture neatly illustrates how Myanmar, a former military dictatorship that the United States worked hard to press toward democracy, is now depending on China to help solve its problems.

— jane perlez, New York Times, "China Showers Myanmar With Attention, as Trump Looks Elsewhere," 19 July 2017
The gesture is aimed at helping the Kremlin cement its footprint in Syria and to solidify Kadyrov’s standing in the Muslim world.

— nataliya vasilyeva, The Seattle Times, "Chechnya becoming major player in rebuilding war-torn Syria," 18 July 2017
While the gesture might have been seen as a sign of flattery, the price tag certainly gave Nicki pause; the wigs were selling for a total of $3,850.

— de elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Nicki Minaj Calls Out Company Selling Wigs Inspired by Her Style," 12 July 2017
Khrushcheva points to the installation, in 2009, of Stalinist slogans in the busy Kurskaya station in central Moscow, and there have been plenty of other small gestures.

— alexander nazaryan, MSNBC Newsweek, "Why Russia Still Loves Josef Stalin, One of the 20th Century's Most Brutal Despots," 7 July 2017
The Chase family saw it as a nice gesture to give to the matriarch, who has been battling health complications of late.

— james smith, NOLA.com, "The NFL Network owes Ja'Marr Chase and his family an apology," 3 July 2017
In eras with more restraints and slower-moving trends, bold gestures seem to carry more meaning.

— diane m. bacha, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Florence Eiseman exhibit turns Museum of Wisconsin Art into a summer fashion haven," 3 July 2017
Lutzenkirchen did, and the small gesture resonated with Harris.

— tom green, AL.com, "Three years after his death, Philip Lutzenkirchen's influence lives on at Auburn," 29 June 2017

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

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gesture

verb ges·ture

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

Falcone says, gesturing toward tony Park Avenue, 30 floors down.

— matthew campbell, Bloomberg.com, "Phil Falcone Bets on a Casino (Where the Locals Can’t Gamble)," 15 June 2017
On Thursday, Crockett Gillmore left practice early and appeared to gesture to his hamstrings, which have sidelined him for games in the past.

— edward lee, baltimoresun.com, "Injury-riddled Ravens tight end group being counted on to replace Dennis Pitta," 9 June 2017
At one point, as Bridges gestured while making a point to the crowd, shouts can be heard on video ordering him to keep his hands down at his sides.

— susan svrluga, Washington Post, "Threat shuts down college embroiled in racial dispute," 1 June 2017
Ali I. Rizvi McClatchy On the video, Cook, 41, is the tall inmate gesturing to other prisoners.

— ames alexander, gavin off and elizabeth leland, charlotteobserver, "Secret gesture, bloody shanks: Did prison officials allow this deadly attack?," 31 May 2017
Though the picture book is designed to appeal to children particularly, adults will marvel at a number of language choices that gesture toward specific Latin American countries.

— rigoberto gonzález, NBC News, "Summer Reads: 7 Latino Books About Mothers," 31 May 2017
Moments later, Carter can be seen gesturing at Trout and his father and is walking with a limp, according to court records.

— ruth ann krause, Post-Tribune, "Gary man facing murder charge," 30 May 2017
In the moments after, Archer gestured toward home plate and seemed to apologize for the errant pitch.

— rustin dodd, kansascity.com, "After reaching pinnacle, Royals’ former Cubs are still searching for old magic," 10 May 2017
In one of the photos, Trump is gesturing to the ambassador while making a remark to Lavrov.

— kevin liptak, CNN, "Trump hosts Russians, Kissinger at White House day after Comey firing," 10 May 2017

Origin and Etymology of gesture

see ¹gesture

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1542

See Words from the same year

GESTURE Defined for English Language Learners

gesture

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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

gesture

verb

Definition of gesture for English Language Learners

: to make a gesture : to move your hands, arms, etc., to express an idea or feeling

GESTURE Defined for Kids

gesture

play

noun ges·ture \ˈjes-chər\

Definition of gesture for Students

1 : a movement of the body (as the hands and arms) that expresses an idea or a feeling … Tutok rose and made a gesture of farewell. — Scott O'Dell, Island of the Blue Dolphins
2 : something said or done that shows a particular feeling He invited her in a gesture of friendship.