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hand waving

American  
Also hand-waving,

noun

  1. insubstantial words, arguments, gestures, or actions used in an attempt to explain or persuade.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

When the Atlantic, the Post and the Times announced their opposition, Hegseth replied with an emoji of a hand waving goodbye.

From Salon Oct. 15, 2025

Frustration then boiled over as animated hand waving was aimed the way of team-mate Rafael Leao late in the game.

From BBC Oct. 15, 2024

“Some people think that conducting is just a combination of hand waving and keeping the beat,” says Mr. Choi.

From NewsForKids.net Jul. 6, 2023

The passer-by who had heard Jonah’s voice climbed through a pile of glass and rebar in his flip-flops and saw the boy’s hand waving before he left to get help.

From Seattle Times Jun. 22, 2022

I see a hand waving around the outside of the easel.

From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine

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