/ ˈdʒestʃə(r); NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C , U ] a movement that you make with your hands, your head or your face to show a particular meaning :
He made a rude gesture at the driver of the other car.
She finished what she had to say with a gesture of despair.
They communicated entirely by gesture.
2.
[ C ] something that you do or say to show a particular feeling or intention :
They sent some flowers as a gesture of sympathy to the parents of the child.
It was a nice gesture (= it was kind) to invite his wife too.
We do not accept responsibility but we will refund the money as a gesture of goodwill .
The government has made a gesture towards public opinion (= has tried to do sth that the public will like) .
➡ note at action
■ verb
gesture (for / to sb) (to do sth) to move your hands, head, face, etc. as a way of expressing what you mean or want :
[ v , usually + adv. / prep. ]
'I see you read a lot,' he said, gesturing at the wall of books.
She gestured for them to come in.
[ v that ]
He gestured (to me) that it was time to go.
They gestured that I should follow.
[also vn ]
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from medieval Latin gestura , from Latin gerere bear, wield, perform. The original sense was bearing, deportment , hence the use of posture and bodily movements for effect when speaking .