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)
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
Jack Hill, Baltimore Sun, 23 Apr. 2025
Garfield was an actor known for his wide range, capable of a disarming naturalness and with a capacity for carefully nuanced gestures.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
Alexandra Duggan, Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 2025
There were screams from Nguyen, cheers from Bowe, and King gestured to the sky and kneeled down to the ground.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gesture
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Noun
Pope Francis has died, and as the tributes pour in — from presidents, cardinals and columnists — the world pauses to remember a man who led with gestures more than grandeur.
—Jack Hill, Baltimore Sun, 23 Apr. 2025
Garfield was an actor known for his wide range, capable of a disarming naturalness and with a capacity for carefully nuanced gestures.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
Norris then gestured to the security team, and the men walked over and grabbed Borrenpohl, telling her to cooperate as Norris stood by, appearing to record the incident on a cellphone.
—Alexandra Duggan, Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 2025
There were screams from Nguyen, cheers from Bowe, and King gestured to the sky and kneeled down to the ground.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gesture
Cite this Entry
“Gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gesture. Accessed 27 Apr. 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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