hand waving

American

Also hand-waving,

noun

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.

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

“I remember her gloved hand waving back at me and was so impressed,” Paul, now 71, said.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 12, 2022

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

From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023