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gesture

[ jes-cher ]

/ ˈdʒɛs tʃər /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR gesture ON THESAURUS.COM

WATCH NOW: These Hand Gestures Have Very Different Meanings In Other Cultures

WATCH NOW: These Hand Gestures Have Very Different Meanings In Other Cultures

Hand gestures, of course, can have very different meanings abroad. With the OK sign, maybe you meant to communicate "I am loving this spaghetti," but the waiter saw :"You're an a**hole."

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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.

Words nearby gesture

gesticulant, gesticular, gesticulate, gesticulation, gestosis, gesture, gesualdo, gesundheit, get, get a bang out of, get a break

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, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for gesture

They could, after all, have just been trying to make a gesture toward inclusiveness.
A Field General in the War on Christmas|David Freedlander|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But the President could easily reposition it as a friendly “pro-gun rights” gesture by outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder.
The GOP Senate: A New Utopia Dawns|P. J. O’Rourke|November 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Simply tap on your own screen, and haptic feedback mechanisms in the watch will transfer the gesture to the wrist of your friend.
Bigger, Bolder, and Better Than Ever: Steve Jobs Would Be Proud of Today's Apple|Kyle Chayka|September 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I wanted to gesture at the sheer number of designers who were involved.
How Jews Created American Modernism|Andrew Romano|August 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Every message, action and gesture seems calculated to ratchet up the anxiety of those who are listening.
Even After Hobby Lobby, the Religious Right is Still Terrified|Gene Robinson|July 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The gesture, together with his forward-tilted hat, served to conceal the fact that he was masked.
The Lone Ranger Rides|Fran Striker
"Nowadays we get it all through the winter," said the Baron with a gesture of disenchantment.
The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete|Emile Zola
Caleb's finger had swung toward the door in a gesture unmistakable.
Then I'll Come Back to You|Larry Evans
On the other hand there is the converse fact that the voice may be influenced through expression and gesture.
Criminal Psychology|Hans Gross
In obedience to a gesture of his she pulled up her horse as they reached the level.
The Trail of Conflict|Emilie Baker Loring

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, noun

Word 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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

The
2019 WORD
OF THE YEAR is...