Gesticulate

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Gesticulate

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

verb

Pronunciation

jeh-STIK-yoo-late  /dʒɛˈstɪkjʊleɪt/

Definition

To use gestures, especially dramatic or emphatic ones, in place of or to accompany speech; to make expressive movements of the hands, arms, or body.

Plain meaning

To gesticulate means to wave your hands and arms around expressively while speaking — or instead of speaking. It usually implies energetic, emphatic, or theatrical movement.

Register

Neutral to slightly formal. Often used with a hint of observation or mild humour — describing someone who gesticulates wildly is a notch more colourful than saying they gestured expressively. Common in narrative and descriptive writing.