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.