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 Michael Easton also bid an abrupt adieu to Port Charles in the summer. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2024 Yes, there’s something bittersweet about bidding adieu to summer’s last berries, peaches, and tomatoes. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2024 Known for its farming roots, the rural Canyon County community is ideal for those looking to bid adieu to big city life, and if that sounds like you, a 450-acre spread with ties to an influential Idaho family is now up for grabs at $22.5 million. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2024 Andy Cohen is bidding adieu to his longtime New York City home, and, in classic Cohen fashion, he’s recruited a reality TV star to sell it. Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adieu 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adieu.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near adieu

Cite this Entry

“Adieu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adieu. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on adieu

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