noun

gesture

JEHS-chuh

noun

A movement of the hands, arms, or body used to express or emphasise a meaning.

"He waved his hand in a dismissive gesture."

"She used hand gestures to help explain the directions."

An action done for its symbolic value, especially to show goodwill or attitude, rather than for practical effect.

"Bringing flowers was a kind gesture after the funeral."

"The company made a gesture of goodwill by refunding the fee."

verb

To move the hands or body to express or point something out.

"She gestured toward the exit without saying a word."

How to Use Gesture

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA meaningful movement of the body, or a symbolic act meant to show an attitude such as kindness or goodwill.

Common pairings

grand gesture gesture of goodwill hand gesture empty gesture

gestured past tense, gestures plural, gestures singular

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He waved his hand in a dismissive _____.

From Medieval Latin gestura, "a way of carrying oneself," ultimately from Latin gerere, "to carry, bear, or behave."

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