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

Despite their sorrow, seeing the sisters closer than ever before is a touching way to say goodbye. —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 8 Dec. 2024

Juan Soto’s Impact On New York Yankees The Yankees have the most to lose if Soto says goodbye after one memorable season in the Bronx. —Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

Bid your boring black puffer jacket goodbye this winter with a splash of beautiful blue. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024

Entertainment Weekly spoke with actor Denim Richards about his goodbye. —Samantha Highfill, EW.com, 2 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