1
: a movement usually of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea, sentiment, or attitude
raised his hand overhead in a gesture of triumph
2
: the use of motions of the limbs or body as a means of expression
3
: something said or done by way of formality or courtesy, as a symbol or token, or for its effect on the attitudes of others
… a political gesture to draw popular support …—
V. L. Parrington
V. L. Parrington
gestured; gesturing
: to make a gesture (see gesture entry 1 sense 1)
: to express or direct by a gesture (see gesture entry 1 sense 1)
Synonyms
Examples of gesture in a Sentence
Noun
Specific gestures can indicate particular moods.
His arm was raised in a gesture of defiance.
Verb
She gestured towards the fireplace.
He gestured at his audience.
The room was filled with angry people shouting and gesturing.
He gestured to his partner to leave.
Recent Examples on the Web
Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
The light-hearted gesture brought plenty of laughs, highlighting how humor can boost morale in an office setting.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
O'Neill gestured for a do-over but then bounced the ball short of Burnett.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gesture 
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Noun
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures during a rally with his vice presidential running mate U.S. Senator JD Vance in St. Cloud, Minnesota, U.S., July 27, 2024.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
The light-hearted gesture brought plenty of laughs, highlighting how humor can boost morale in an office setting.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
Minutes later on the sideline, James gestured toward the block of Chargers fans seated behind the bench.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
O'Neill gestured for a do-over but then bounced the ball short of Burnett.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gesture
Dictionary Entries Near gesture
Cite this Entry
“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gesture. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gesture
1 of 2 noun
ges·ture
ˈjes-chər 
ˈjesh-
1
: a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or a feeling
2
: something said or done by way of courtesy or for its effect on other people
a political gesture
gesture
2 of 2 verb
gestured; gesturing
: to make or direct with a gesture
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