What does gesture mean?
A gesture is a purposeful movement of the body used to communicate without or alongside words. Pointing, waving, nodding, and raising a hand are simple physical gestures, while phrases such as a gesture of goodwill describe an action that carries a broader social or symbolic meaning. The word can also function as a verb: to gesture means to signal or indicate something through movement. Gestures are especially important in conversations, public speaking, sign-supported communication, and formal ceremonies, where they can express agreement, apology, welcome, warning, or respect. Because a gesture conveys meaning through an observable action, it is useful whenever speech alone is insufficient or a speaker wants to add emphasis. The word comes from a Latin vocabulary of posture and bodily action and has developed from describing how an action was carried out to naming the communicative movements people make in everyday life.
A deliberate movement of the body used to express a meaning, intention, emotion, or response. By extension, a symbolic act that communicates goodwill, respect, apology, or agreement.
"The two leaders exchanged a friendly gesture before the ceremony."
The noun is common in both everyday descriptions of bodily movement and more formal references to symbolic or ceremonial acts.
To indicate or communicate something by making a bodily movement.
"He gestured for us to come closer."
Often used when the exact message is understood from the movement itself, such as pointing, waving, or motioning someone to stop.
The plural is used for separate bodily movements and for individual symbolic or communicative acts.
"Her calm gestures reassured the nervous audience."
Gesture began with the idea of carrying: its Latin ancestor described a posture or manner of performing an action before it came to mean the expressive movement we use today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gesture
The English word comes through Middle French geste from Latin gestus, meaning a posture, gesture, or manner of carrying out an action. Latin gestus is related to gerere, “to carry, bear, or perform.” The sense developed from describing bodily posture or manner toward the modern idea of a movement made to express meaning. Related English words such as gesticulate and gesticulation come from the same Latin root family.
Related word forms
How gesture is actually used
The word is neutral and widely used in formal and informal contexts. A gesture may be practical, such as pointing or waving, or symbolic and ceremonial, such as a gesture of friendship. In descriptions of speech, gesture often suggests movement that reinforces or accompanies spoken meaning.
Easily confused with gesture
A gesture is a purposeful movement with a communicative purpose, whereas gesticulation often refers more specifically to the accompanying movements of the hands, arms, or body, especially during speech.