goodbye

noun

good·​bye gu̇d-ˈbī 

gə(d)-

variants or good-bye or less commonly goodby or good-by

1

: a concluding remark or gesture at parting

—often used interjectionally

2

: a taking of leave

a tearful goodbye

Synonyms

• adieu
• au revoir
• ave
• bon voyage
• congé
• congee
• farewell
• Godspeed

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home

Recent Examples on the Web

The hosts then threw to some celebrities wishing Kotb an emotional goodbye, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Oprah Winfrey. —William Earl, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025

Plus, as the second season closes, Eileen’s presence at the goodbye to Grace isn’t necessary to signal that Eva has picked herself up and dusted herself off. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 24 Dec. 2024

After the Netflix show’s production wrapped this week, the 2x Emmy nominee shared a video of her emotionally heartfelt goodbye to her fellow cast and crew, more than eight years after the Duffer Brothers series premiered. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 21 Dec. 2024

Here are some ways to welcome 2025 and kiss 2024 goodbye! 🎇 Fireworks Navy Pier Dress warmly and walk to the Pier for a 15-minute fireworks show that has music with a beautiful backdrop of the skyline. —Moyo Adeolu, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of God be with you

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing goodbye

• kiss goodbye
• kiss something goodbye
• say goodbye to
• wave goodbye

Kids Definition

good-bye

noun

variants or good-by

gu̇d-ˈbī,

gəd-,

gə-

: a concluding remark at parting

—often used interjectionally

Etymology

a shortened and altered form of God be with you