head nods
Wordless vertical gestures
Head nods are gestures of acknowledgment, agreement, or greeting made by tilting the head forward.
A single nod typically signals yes or understanding; repeated nods show active listening or encouragement.
Among strangers, the head nod serves as a minimal greeting—an upward nod between acquaintances, a downward nod to strangers.
He gave me a head nod across the room.
- agreementShared position between parties
- silent agreementConsent conveyed without words
- yesOpposite of no
- acknowledgmentConfirmation of receipt
- knowing lookExpression conveying shared understanding
approval · bow · gesture · body language · assent · understanding · bobbing · affirmation · greeting · silent · respect · listening · chin · neck · motion · signal · confirmation · empathy
head nodsshaking one's head
Nonverbal sign of disapproval
thumbs down · dismissive wave · eye roll · turned back · looking away
head nodsglazed eyes
Unfocused, distant expression
looking away · averted gaze · ignoring · inattention · zoning out
head, heads, headed, heading, headings, header, headers, headless, headfirst