English · Word Candidate

gesture

/ˈd͡ʒɛs.t͡ʃə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: gestures · gesturing · gestured

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A motion of the limbs or body, especially one made to emphasize speech.

Noun

The middle-finger gesture is really a nonverbal swear.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

An act or a remark that serves as a formality or as a sign of attitude.

Noun

We took flowers as a gesture of sympathy.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To make a gesture or gestures.

Verb

My dad told me never to gesture with my hands when I talk.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To express (something) by a gesture or gestures.

Verb

He gestured his disgust.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “gesture” mean?

A motion of the limbs or body, especially one made to emphasize speech.

Is “gesture” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.