English Dictionary

Definition of “gesticulate

gesticulate (dʒɛˈstɪkjʊˌleɪtPronunciation for gesticulate

Definitions

verb

  1. to express by or make gestures

Alternative Forms

gesˈticulative adjective gesˈticuˌlator noun

Word Origin

C17: from Latin gesticulārī,  from Latin gesticulus  (unattested except in Late Latin) gesture, diminutive of gestus  gesture, from gerere to bear, conduct

Usage examples

  • He criticised the hunting lobby's invasion of the House of Commons:'what did they do, gesticulate ?
    Spiked (2005)
  • It defines the ways and wherefores of how we sit, stand, gesticulate , smile, frown and shake hands.
    The Advertiser, Sunday Mail (2004)
  • This may explain why we gesticulate even when talking to people on the phone.
    Times, Sunday Times (2005)
  • Why should four waiters stand and jaw and gesticulate among themselves, instead of waiting on the guests?
    Keane, Molly & Phipps, Sally, Molly Keane's Ireland (1993)

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