gesture

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [C,U] a movement that you make with your hands, your head or your face to show a particular meaning: He made a rude gesture at the driver of the other car. * She finished what she had to say with a gesture of despair. * They communicated entirely by gesture. 2 [C] something that you do or say to show a particular feeling or intention: They sent some flowers as a gesture of sympathy to the parents of the child. * It was a nice gesture (= it was kind) to invite his wife too. * We do not accept responsibility but we will refund the money as a gesture of goodwill. * His speech was at least a gesture towards improving relations between the two countries. * The government has made a gesture towards public opinion (= has tried to do sth that the public will like). verb ~ (for / to sb) (to do sth) to move your hands, head, face, etc. as a way of expressing what you mean or want: [V] [usually +adv./prep.] 'I see you read a lot,' he said, gesturing at the wall of books. * He gestured to the guards and they withdrew. * She gestured for them to come in. * [Vthat] He gestured (to me) that it was time to go. * They gestured that I should follow. [also VN]