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
Mark Travers, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
This meeting was meant to be kind of a gesture of strength.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2025
Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Seven days before this interview, Tosca’s oldest brother, Elon Musk, spoke at Donald Trump’s inauguration and gestured in a way that many people, including some of Passionflix’s predominantly female audience, interpreted as a Nazi salute.
—Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gesture
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Even small gestures, like sending a quick text to check in during a hectic day or remembering meaningful anniversaries can reinforce your dependability.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
This meeting was meant to be kind of a gesture of strength.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
That Jabeur defeat also saw Tauson frequently becoming exasperated and gesturing angrily towards her coach.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Seven days before this interview, Tosca’s oldest brother, Elon Musk, spoke at Donald Trump’s inauguration and gestured in a way that many people, including some of Passionflix’s predominantly female audience, interpreted as a Nazi salute.
—Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 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 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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