gesture

[jes-cher]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR gesture ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

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 formsges·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

Related Words for gesture

nod, signal, sign, token, indication, action, reminder, expression, salute, curtsy, bow, wink, mime, intimation, genuflection, wave, gesticulation, shrug, pantomime, kinesics

Examples from the Web for gesture

Contemporary Examples of 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
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
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
I wanted to gesture at the sheer number of designers who were involved.
How Jews Created American Modernism
Andrew Romano
August 1, 2014
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

Historical Examples of gesture

"It's the way you're treating me," he cried, with a clumsy man's awkward attempt at gesture.
Viviette
William J. Locke
Naturally by far the most important part of this was gesture.
The Dramatic Values in Plautus
Wilton Wallace Blancke
The girl shook the links of the handcuffs in a gesture stronger than words.
Within the Law
Marvin Dana
Voice, pose and gesture proclaimed at least the excellent mimic.
Within the Law
Marvin Dana
Mary made a gesture toward him that he should not interfere.
Within the Law
Marvin Dana

British Dictionary definitions for gesture

gesture

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 Formsgestural, 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

Word Origin and History for gesture

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.

1540s, from gesture (n.). Related: Gestured; gesturing.