gesture
[ jes-cher ]
/ ˈdʒɛs tʃər /
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noun
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.
the use of such movements to express thought, emotion, etc.
any action, courtesy, communication, etc., intended for effect or as a formality; considered expression; demonstration: a gesture of friendship.
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.
to make or use a gesture or gestures.
verb (used with object), ges·tured, ges·tur·ing.
to express by a gesture or gestures.
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Origin of gesture
1375–1425; late Middle English <Medieval Latin gestūra mode of action, manner, bearing, equivalent to Latin gest(us) past participle of gerere to bear, carry on, perform + ūra-ure
OTHER WORDS FROM gesture
ges·tur·al, adjectiveges·tur·er, nounun·ges·tur·al, adjectiveun·ges·tur·ing, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use gesture in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for gesture
gesture
/ (ˈdʒɛstʃə) /
noun
a motion of the hands, head, or body to emphasize an idea or emotion, esp while speaking
something said or done as a formality or as an indication of intentiona political gesture
obsolete the manner in which a person bears himself; posture
verb
to express by or make gestures; gesticulate
Derived forms of gesture
gestural, adjectivegesturer, nounWord Origin for gesture
C15: from Medieval Latin gestūra bearing, from Latin gestus, past participle of gerere to bear
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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