gesture
[jes-cher]
- 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.
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- to make or use a gesture or gestures.
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- 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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
nodsignalsigntokenindicationactionreminderexpressionsalutecurtsybowwinkmimeintimationgenuflectionwavegesticulationshrugpantomimekinesicsExamples from the Web for gesture
Contemporary Examples
They could, after all, have just been trying to make a gesture toward inclusiveness.
But the President could easily reposition it as a friendly “pro-gun rights” gesture by outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder.
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 AppleKyle Chayka
September 9, 2014
I wanted to gesture at the sheer number of designers who were involved.
Every message, action and gesture seems calculated to ratchet up the anxiety of those who are listening.
Historical Examples
"It's the way you're treating me," he cried, with a clumsy man's awkward attempt at gesture.
VivietteWilliam J. Locke
Naturally by far the most important part of this was gesture.
The Dramatic Values in PlautusWilton Wallace Blancke
The girl shook the links of the handcuffs in a gesture stronger than words.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
Voice, pose and gesture proclaimed at least the excellent mimic.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
Mary made a gesture toward him that he should not interfere.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
gesture
- 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
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- to express by or make gestures; gesticulate
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Word Origin
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
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Word Origin and History for gesture
n.
early 15c., "manner of carrying the body," from Medieval Latin gestura "bearing, behavior," from Latin gestus "gesture, carriage, posture" (see gest). Restricted sense of "a movement of the body or a part of it" is from 1550s; figurative sense of "action undertaken in good will to express feeling" is from 1916.
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v.
1540s, from gesture (n.). Related: Gestured; gesturing.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper