cenno

Cenno is a masculine noun in Italian that denotes either a nonverbal gesture or sign, or a brief mention or hint in speech or writing. In its primary sense, cenno refers to a physical signal used to communicate indirectly, such as inviting someone to come closer or drawing attention, and is commonly used with the preposition con, as in con un cenno della mano.

A second sense covers a linguistic or literary hint or allusion, for example “un cenno alle difficoltà” meaning a nod or reference to the difficulties, or “fece solo un cenno al passato” indicating a passing reference to the past. The plural cenni is used when talking about multiple gestures or hints.

In idiomatic usage, phrases like “far cenno” or “dare cenno di” indicate signaling or alluding to something rather than stating it outright. Cenno is typically contrasted with synonyms such as gesto (gesture) and segno (sign), and with accenno, which emphasizes a brief mention rather than a physical signal.

Originating in standard Italian, cenno is common across formal and informal registers and appears in literature, journalism, and everyday speech. It can describe both concrete signals and more abstract references, making it a versatile term for nonverbal communication and indirect allusion.