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

But before getting down on one knee, Charity turned him away and said goodbye. —Tamia Boyd, Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2025

Saturday Night Live's longest-serving cast member isn't ready to say goodbye anytime soon. —Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025

While no present could outdo the relief of kissing a thesis or capstone goodbye, these gift ideas will make entering the next chapter of their lives a little easier. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2025

Hundreds of people had gathered on a brilliant spring Sunday morning to say goodbye and catch a first glimpse of Francis, who seemed to be gasping for air. —Nicole Winfield, TIME, 23 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for goodbye

• ai
• aye
• bae
• bi
• buy
• by
• bye
• chai
• chi
• cry
• die
• dry

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