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

Explanation

The thing to remember about gesture, whether you're using it as a verb or a noun, is that not only is it a movement of the hands or body, but it's also a movement that has some meaning, intention, or emotion behind it. When you use gesture, you are entering into a whole history of human communication, because there is no language that exists entirely without gesture (a fun fact to bring up at parties). People can't communicate without gesture. It's so connected to intention that there is a phrase "empty gesture," used to mean an action or movement that is without genuine feeling.

Example Sentences

It’s a truly stunning expression of his rage and betrayal — a seething accusation — told entirely through bodies and gesture.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

“Poppy,” a multicolored abstract from 1995 created using the German artist’s signature squeegee gesture is expected to sell for around $15 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Bannon has already served prison time in the case - a four-month sentence at a low-security federal facility in Connecticut - rendering any potential dismissal a more symbolic gesture.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

“I can only do this”—he makes a swiping gesture with his hands—“so many times with so many things,” Sax says in a TV segment.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

He attempts to gesture to his entire ensemble and ends up wincing, hand on his hip.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

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