gesture

American  

[jes-cher] / ˈdʒɛs tʃər /

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.

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verb (used without object)

gestured, gesturing

1. to make or use a gesture or gestures.

verb (used with object)

gestured, gesturing

1. to express by a gesture or gestures.

gesture British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to express by or make gestures; gesticulate

Usage

What does gesture mean? A gesture is a movement of the hand, arms, or other body part that is intended to indicate or emphasize something, often when speaking.In other words, gestures are body movements that express something. For example, a wave of the hand is a common gesture used to say hello to someone. In this sense, gesture is also commonly used as a verb.A gesture can also be an action done for a specific reason, such as to show gratitude, as in Sending him flowers was a nice gesture. In the context of digital technology, we interact with touchscreen devices using gestures—movements such as swiping a finger from side to side or using two fingers to “pinch” the screen and zoom in and out.Example: When Tom walked into the office, his boss made a gesture to him to have a seat so they could talk.

Other Word Forms

• gestural adjective
• gesturer noun
• ungestural adjective
• ungesturing adjective

Etymology

Origin of gesture

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

Example Sentences

“This area is my entire childhood,” he said, gesturing out the window from his Woodland Hills office during an interview at the coworking space.

From Los Angeles Times

I waved to get Renée’s attention and gestured to the empty seat.

From Los Angeles Times

A U.S. official familiar with the move said the U.S. decision to let aid deliveries resume wasn’t designed as a gesture to North Korea.

From The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. used the previous round of talks in late January to suggest that each side refrain from striking each other’s energy infrastructure as a gesture of goodwill.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It was a nice gesture,” Mom murmured into his hair.

From Literature

Related Words

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