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

The government first announced days after Maduro's capture, on 8 January, that "a significant number" of prisoners would be freed as a goodwill gesture.

From BBC

There was also an image of Gabriel Martinelli taunting Wolves' fans with a "2-1" gesture, only to look daft when Arsenal conceded that late leveller.

From BBC

For Emma, who was at home caring for Freya, the gesture meant far more than a one-off selfless deed.

From BBC

A smile thrown in her direction during a parade honoring a visiting king and his princess daughter, a marvelously flighty Miriam Hopkins, almost causes an international incident after the gesture is misinterpreted.

From The Wall Street Journal

Perhaps for Vinicius this burden translates into anger, tension and gestures that, from the outside, seem excessive.

From BBC

Related Words

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