gesticulate

verb

ges·​tic·​u·​late je-ˈsti-kyə-ˌlāt How to pronounce gesticulate (audio)
gesticulated; gesticulating

intransitive verb

: to make gestures especially when speaking
arguing and gesticulating wildly
gesticulative adjective
gesticulator noun
gesticulatory adjective

Examples of gesticulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Experts say the latest innovations in natural interfaces provide a glimpse of a fast-approaching future in which people will interact with the Web very differently—not only by typing and touching but also by talking and gesticulating before our devices. Elise Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 2011 The image of Walz as a giddy schoolgirl gesticulating wildly and panting with enthusiasm for Vice President Kamala Harris is one the Trump campaign has tried to push since August, when Harris confirmed Walz would be her running mate on the 2024 Democratic ticket. Samantha Riedel, Them, 2 Oct. 2024 In the left frame, Trump is mid-monologue, lips pursed and gesticulating. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 11 Sep. 2024 The classroom resounded with snickers, whispers, giggles, snarls, and whoops from the children, and furious commands from the two nuns who gesticulated—quite ineffectually—up by the blackboard, and sometimes, in exasperation, charged down the aisle between the desks to punish a miscreant. Rosanna Warren, Harper's Magazine, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for gesticulate 

Word History

Etymology

Latin gesticulatus, past participle of gesticulari, from *gesticulus, diminutive of gestus — see gesture entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gesticulate was circa 1609

Dictionary Entries Near gesticulate

Cite this Entry

“Gesticulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gesticulate. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

gesticulate

verb
ges·​tic·​u·​late je-ˈstik-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce gesticulate (audio)
gesticulated; gesticulating
: to make gestures especially when speaking
gesticulation
-ˌstik-yə-ˈlā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gesticulate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!