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

As Days of Our Lives hits an important milestone, the show is saying its final goodbye to soap legend, Bill Hayes. —Esther Kang, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024

On Saturday, the 16x Grammy winner performed the final show in her Weekends with Adele Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace, sharing a heartfelt goodbye with her adoring fans at the Colosseum. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Nov. 2024

Then a very gray-looking Ian gingerly makes his way outside to hug everyone goodbye, waving as their cart disappears down the road. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 22 Nov. 2024

The performer, who starred on CBS’ NCIS as lead special agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs before saying goodbye in season 19, is still focused on telling stories about the U.S. Navy. —Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Nov. 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