A "gesture" refers to a movement of the body or a part of the body, especially a hand or the head, that expresses an idea or feeling. Gestures can be used to communicate non-verbally, often conveying emotions or intentions without the need for spoken words. For example, waving your hand can mean hello or goodbye, while a thumbs-up can signify approval.
The word "gesture" comes from the Latin word "gestura," which means "a carrying or bearing." It evolved through the Middle French "gestur" before being adopted into the English language in the late 16th century.