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
Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
Following the ceremony, volunteers from the church and area organizations will lay wreaths on the graves of military veterans as a gesture of thanks for their service and sacrifice.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024
Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
Trump went further in a rally on Sunday, gesturing to the bulletproof glass that has protected him at outdoor events since a gunman tried to assassinate him in July.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gesture 
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Noun
Even Patricia Altschul did not appreciate the gesture.
—Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
Following the ceremony, volunteers from the church and area organizations will lay wreaths on the graves of military veterans as a gesture of thanks for their service and sacrifice.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
In a clip shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Hoop Central, Collins, 27, can be seen pacing the sidelines in the moments after his ejection, then gesturing towards referee Michael Smith as the cameras quickly cut away.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
Trump went further in a rally on Sunday, gesturing to the bulletproof glass that has protected him at outdoor events since a gunman tried to assassinate him in July.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 6 Nov. 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 17 Dec. 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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