gesture

1 a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling a teenager who often shrugs her shoulders in a gesture of indifference Synonyms gesticulation, mime, pantomime, sign, signal Related Words beck, beckon, flourish, shrug, wave; body language, posture; indication, motion; sign language

2 an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners sent a handwritten thank-you note as a gesture of his gratitude Synonyms amenity, attention, courtesy, formality, civility, pleasantry, politenessRelated Words honors; ceremony, observance, rite, ritual; decorum, etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties; addresses, devoirs, greetings, regards, respects; favor, grace, kindliness, kindness; protocol, rules