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
Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
There is also a potential scenario where an NBA player like Curry could reciprocate the gesture by participating in a similar shootout at next summer's WNBA All-Star Game.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Damon Wise, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025
During the Soviet Union’s efforts to seize control over all Berlin, Khrushchev threatened to use nuclear weapons and often seemed to lose control of his emotions when meeting Western officials—yelling, gesturing, and turning red in the face.
—Roseanne McManus, Foreign Affairs, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for gesture 
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Noun
Despite the kind gesture from the groom, Peru is sticking to his decision.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
There is also a potential scenario where an NBA player like Curry could reciprocate the gesture by participating in a similar shootout at next summer's WNBA All-Star Game.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
Unable to go through with it, Lucas runs back out into the mall, gesturing to his colleague that the sting came to nothing.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025
During the Soviet Union’s efforts to seize control over all Berlin, Khrushchev threatened to use nuclear weapons and often seemed to lose control of his emotions when meeting Western officials—yelling, gesturing, and turning red in the face.
—Roseanne McManus, Foreign Affairs, 24 Jan. 2025
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 2 Feb. 2025.
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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