gesture
[ jes-cher ]
/ ˈdʒɛs tʃər /
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.
RELATED CONTENT
RELATED WORDS
nod, signal, sign, token, indication, action, reminder, expression, salute, curtsy, bow, wink, mime, intimation, genuflection, wave, gesticulation, shrug, pantomime, kinesics
Nearby words
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
Related forms
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. 2019
Examples from the Web for gesture
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
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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