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Definition of gesticulate

gesticulate

/dʒɛˈstɪkjəleɪt/
ges · tic · u · late
Adjective:gesticulatory
•
Past Simple:gesticulated
•
Past Participle:gesticulated
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Present Participle:gesticulating
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gesticulate Lexical Profile

gesticulate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To use gestures, especially dramatic or animated movements of the hands and arms, instead of speaking or to emphasize one's words.

Example

"The professor began to gesticulate excitedly at the chalkboard as he explained the breakthrough theorem."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gesticulate

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'gesture' can refer to any deliberate movement of the hands or body, 'gesticulate' specifically implies animated, dramatic, or excited movements made to emphasize speech.

• Rhymes for gesticulate

• Nearby Words

gestate
gestation
gestational
gesticulate
gestural
gesture
gesundheit

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin gesticulatus, the past participle of gesticulari ('to make mimic gestures'), derived from gesticulus ('a mimic gesture'), a diminutive of gestus ('gesture, carriage, posture').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gesticulate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gesticulate
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