parting

1 of 2

noun

part·​ing ˈpär-tiŋ How to pronounce parting (audio)
: a place or point where a division or separation occurs

parting

2 of 2

adjective

: given, taken, or done at parting
a parting kiss
Phrases
parting of the ways
1
: a point of separation or divergence
2
: a place or time at which a choice must be made

Examples of parting in a Sentence

Noun I feared the morning, for I knew that our parting would be difficult. On parting, he took my hand and promised to return. “Good-night, good-night! Parting is such sweet sorrow…” Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet the parting of the Red Sea Adjective His parting words to me were “Be patient.” As her parting shot, she said that the other candidate simply did not understand the needs of the city's citizens.
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.
Noun
The actress, who starred in the original 1997 slasher and its 1998 sequel, says that both movies came with a parting gift from the Fisherman (Muse Watson), the hook-wielding killer who hunts down the film's unlucky group of teens. Shania Russell, EW.com, 17 June 2025 As a parting gift, the goody bag was a pouch of M&Ms with a bat stamped on each, a celebration of The Bronx Zoo’s new World of Darkness exhibit featuring 25 nocturnal species. Bettina Zilkha, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 Ange Postecoglou has been sacked, and the powers that be at Tottenham are looking to capitalize on his parting gift of Champions League football. Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 9 June 2025 These are two mob bosses that have had a parting of ways. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for parting

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1562, in the meaning defined above

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

Cite this Entry

“Parting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parting. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

parting

1 of 2 noun
part·​ing ˈpärt-iŋ How to pronounce parting (audio)
1
2
: a place where a division or separation occurs
a parting of the ways
3
: leave-taking
shake hands at parting

parting

2 of 2 adjective
1
: being in the process of departing
2
: serving to divide : separating
3
: given, taken, or performed at parting
a parting kiss

More from Merriam-Webster on parting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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