How to pronounce gesture
Say it like JES-cher. Gesture has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gesture. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- JES
- cher
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gesture pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- JESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- cherKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of gesture
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: JES-chuh.
What does gesture mean?
- motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling
- the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
- something done as an indication of intention“a political gesture”“a gesture of defiance”
- show, express or direct through movement“He gestured his desire to leave”
Where does gesture come from?
From Medieval Latin gestūra (“a mode of action”), from Latin gerō (“to bear; (reflexive) bear oneself, behave, act”), past participle gestus.
Questions about saying gesture
How do you pronounce gesture?
Say JES-cher. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʒɛstʃɚ/. In British English it is /ˈdʒɛstʃə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gesture?
Gesture has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JES). Broken into parts: JES · cher.
Is gesture pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈdʒɛstʃə/ (JES-chuh).