What does "gesture" mean?
A motion of the limbs or body, especially one made to emphasize speech.
Gesture
/ˈd͡ʒɛs.t͡ʃɚ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A motion of the limbs or body, especially one made to emphasize speech.
- Grammar: gesture is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: motion, action, actions, activity.
- Useful contrasts: click, ignore, inaction.
- Usage evidence: We communicated with each other by gesture.
How to use "gesture"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "gesture" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "gesture" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "gesture" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "gesture" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "gesture" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "motion" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "gesture", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A motion of the limbs or body, especially one made to emphasize speech. countable, uncountable
"The middle-finger gesture is really a nonverbal swear."
- 2 motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling wordnet
- 3 An act or a remark that serves as a formality or as a sign of attitude. countable, uncountable
"We took flowers as a gesture of sympathy."
- 4 something done as an indication of intention wordnet
- 5 A motion made with a pointing device, or on a touchscreen, that is recognised by the system as a command. countable, uncountable
"This Web browser can be controlled with mouse gestures."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals wordnet
- 7 The manner of carrying the body; position of the body or limbs; posture. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"Accubation, or lying down at meals, was a gesture used by very many nations."
Verb
- 1 To make a gesture or gestures. intransitive
"My dad told me never to gesture with my hands when I talk."
- 2 show, express or direct through movement wordnet
- 3 To express (something) by a gesture or gestures. transitive
"He gestured his disgust."
- 4 To accompany or illustrate with gesture or action. transitive
"It is not orderly read, nor gestured as beseemeth."
- 5 To express or signal (to someone) by a gesture or gestures (to do something, go somewhere, etc). transitive
"[…] she sweepingly gestured him to the pillory — a chair upon the platform, facing the school. Here he suffered for the unusual term of an hour, with many jocular and cunning eyes constantly upon him; and, when he was released at noon, horrid shouts […]"
Example
"We communicated with each other by gesture."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "gesture"?
Common synonyms include: motion, action, actions, activity, acts, address.
How do you use "gesture" in a sentence?
We communicated with each other by gesture.
How do you pronounce "gesture"?
Pronounced /ˈd͡ʒɛs.t͡ʃɚ/.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin gestūra (“a mode of action”), from Latin gerō (“to bear; (reflexive) bear oneself, behave, act”), past participle gestus.