gesture
A movement or action that shows a feeling or message.
Gesture means to use movements of your hands, arms, head, or body to communicate or express something. When you wave goodbye, point at something across the room, or give someone a thumbs-up, you're making a gesture. These movements can replace words or work alongside them to make your meaning clearer.
Some gestures are universal: nodding for “yes” works almost everywhere. But many gestures mean different things in different cultures. In America, making a circle with your thumb and forefinger means “okay,” but in some countries, that same gesture is considered rude.
As a noun, a gesture is the movement itself. A teacher might make a sweeping gesture to encourage students to sit down. An athlete might raise their arms in a victory gesture after scoring. The word can also mean an action that shows how you feel or what you intend, even if it's not literally a physical movement. Bringing flowers to someone in the hospital is a kind gesture that shows you care. When someone makes what they call a symbolic gesture, they're doing something to send a message, like donating a dollar to a cause they support, even though they know a dollar won't solve the problem.