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

Example Sentences

Evloev was booed heavily but embraced his reception as he smiled and made a heart-shaped gesture with his fingers towards the crowd.

From BBC

Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought Medvedev had "played the rules quite well" and did not believe his gesture had been enough to distract him.

From BBC

You are close to its trunk, experiencing its lofty height and its many branches spreading out like gesturing limbs of an animate creature.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sheinbaum cautiously welcomed the tacit acknowledgement of Spain's past actions, saying: "One could say that it is not everything we would have wanted but it is a gesture of reconciliation."

From BBC

With a gesture of his hands the little man invited us into a small room in back of the shop and gave us chairs.

From Literature

Related Words

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