adieu

noun

ə-ˈdü How to pronounce adieu (audio)
a-,
-ˈdyü
plural adieus or adieux ə-ˈdüz How to pronounce adieu (audio)
a-,
-ˈdyüz
: an expression of good wishes when someone leaves : goodbye
a heartfelt adieu
bid his teammates adieu
often used interjectionally
Adieu, my friends!

Examples of adieu in a Sentence

we bid our adieus and were off
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And with that, Emma Erceg, wife of Royals pitcher Lucas Erceg, bid adieu to spring training in Arizona over the weekend and like other Royals families began heading to Kansas City. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2025 So uncap this stick, glide it, and bid adieu to that dreaded chafe. Annie Blackman, Allure, 24 Mar. 2025 At this moment, millions of American TikTok users are contemplating bidding adieu to the viral video app that has been their source of entertainment, news and community, or even income, for the past several years. Thania Garcia, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025 Cheryl Burke is bidding adieu to the Dancing With the Stars ballroom once more. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 31 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for adieu

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French a deu, a dieu, literally, "to God"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adieu was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Adieu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adieu. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

adieu

noun
plural adieus or adieux -ˈd(y)üz How to pronounce adieu (audio)
: farewell entry 2 sense 1
often used interjectionally
Etymology

Middle English adieu "farewell," from early French adieu (same meaning), from a Dieu, literally "(I commit you) to God," from Latin Deus "God" — related to adios, deity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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