¹gesture

noun ges·ture \ˈjes-chər, ˈjesh-\

: a movement of your body (especially of your hands and arms) that shows or emphasizes an idea or a feeling

: something said or done to show a particular feeling or attitude

Full Definition of GESTURE

archaic : carriage, bearing

: a movement usually of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea, sentiment, or attitude

: the use of motions of the limbs or body as a means of expression

: 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>

See gesture defined for English-language learners

See gesture defined for kids

Origin of GESTURE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin gestura mode of action, from Latin gestus, past participle of gerere

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to GESTURE

Synonyms: gesticulation, mime, pantomime, sign, signal

Rhymes with GESTURE

vesture

²gesture

verb

: to make a gesture : to move your hands, arms, etc., to express an idea or feeling

ges·turedges·tur·ing

Full Definition of GESTURE

intransitive verb

: to make a gesture

transitive verb

: to express or direct by a gesture

See gesture defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of GESTURE

1542

Related to GESTURE

Synonyms: beckon, flag, motion, signal, wave

GESTURES Defined for Kids

¹gesture

noun ges·ture \ˈjes-chər\

Definition of GESTURE for Kids

: a movement of the body (as the hands and arms) that expresses an idea or a feeling <… Tutok rose and made a gesture of farewell. — Scott O'Dell, Island of the Blue Dolphins>

: something said or done that shows a particular feeling <He invited her in a gesture of friendship.>