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DictionarygesticulateExpressive gestures
verb

gesticulate

jes-TIK-yuh-layt/dʒeˈstɪkjuleɪt/

To move the hands or arms expressively while communicating.

She gesticulates with both hands as she explains her plan.

An animated speaker gestures broadly with both hands while a listener watches: one hand sweeps outward, and the other opens near her chest, making expressive arm movement the unmistakable focus.
Etymology
gesticulateLatinto gesture, mimic

Latin gesticulari linked gesturing with mimicking: bodily movement could represent something rather than merely accompany speech. The English verb emphasizes expressive movements of the hands or arms.

In context

Think in Italian0:18
using our hands a lot to communicate and express ourselves we gesticulate a lot and the language of non-verbal body is an important and distinctive trait of our culture
Italian hand gestures

More examples

  • He gesticulated wildly, trying to warn us about the ice.
  • I tend to gesticulate when I get excited.
  • The coach is gesticulating from the sidelines to direct players.

Forms

gesticulate · gesticulates · gesticulated · gesticulating

gesticulation noun — Expressive movements of the hands or arms.

Similar words

gesture
Covers expressive movements beyond the hands and arms.
motion
Usually signals a specific instruction rather than general expressiveness.