parting

1 of 2

noun

part·​ing ˈpär-tiŋ 

: 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

Synonyms

Noun

• farewell
• leave-taking
• separation

Adjective

• farewell
• valedictory

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

Noun

See their emotional parting words in the exclusive video above. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 16 May 2024

Marquez Valdes-Scantling has signed with the Buffalo Bills but — drops and all — deserves some parting appreciation. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1562, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing parting

• parting of the ways
• parting shot
• took a parting shot
• water parting

Kids Definition

parting

1 of 2 noun

part·​ing ˈpärt-iŋ 

1

: separation sense 1, division

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