gesture

[ jes-cher ]

noun

1. a movement or position of the hand, arm, body, head, or face that is expressive of an idea, opinion, emotion, etc.:

   the gestures of an orator; a threatening gesture.

2. the use of such movements to express thought, emotion, etc.
3. any action, courtesy, communication, etc., intended for effect or as a formality; considered expression; demonstration:

   a gesture of friendship.

4. Digital Technology. a particular movement of the body, typically the fingers or hand, used to control or interact with a digital device (often used attributively):

   a gesture command;

   Use a two-finger pinching gesture on your touchscreen to zoom in or out.

verb (used without object)

, ges·tured, ges·tur·ing.

1. to make or use a gesture or gestures.

verb (used with object)

, ges·tured, ges·tur·ing.

1. to express by a gesture or gestures.

gesture

/ ˈdʒɛstʃə /

noun

1. a motion of the hands, head, or body to emphasize an idea or emotion, esp while speaking
2. something said or done as a formality or as an indication of intention

   a political gesture

3. obsolete.
   the manner in which a person bears himself; posture

verb

1. to express by or make gestures; gesticulate

Derived Forms

• ˈgestural, adjective
• ˈgesturer, noun

Other Words From

• gestur·al adjective
• gestur·er noun
• un·gestur·al adjective
• un·gestur·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gesture¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin gestūra “mode of action, manner, bearing,” from Latin gest(us) “conducted” (past participle of gerere “to carry, conduct, display”) + -ūra -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of gesture¹

C15: from Medieval Latin gestūra bearing, from Latin gestus, past participle of gerere to bear

Example Sentences

In response, Chan described the gesture as "so romantic", adding: "Can’t get quite as low anymore but more in love and grateful for that love than ever."

From BBC

Aside from fronting his namesake band Dio from 1982 through 2010, the diminutive singer was known for his piercing vocals and being among the first rockers to flash the famed devil horns hand gesture.

From Los Angeles Times

He put the gesture down to a recent increase in international attention and pressure.

From BBC

Franak Viacorka, an adviser to Tikhanovskaya, told the BBC that Lukashenko's gesture to Maria was tokenism.

From BBC

"Lukashenko is afraid right now to make any big moves and changes before his sham election - his self-reappointment. Just showing Maria doesn't threaten him, but he wants to show it as a big gesture of humanity - which it's not of course," Mr Viacorka believes.

From BBC

Related Words

• action
• body language
• expression
• indication
• nod
• reminder
• salute
• sign
• signal
• token