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 of goodbye

• farewell

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home

Recent Examples on the Web

Here’s exactly what to say to deliver a great goodbye. —Angela Haupt, Time, 8 Dec. 2025

Brewed didn’t offer any hints in its goodbye note. —Michael Deeds december 5, Idaho Statesman, 5 Dec. 2025

After all, season 2 of Charlie Cale’s mystery-of-the-week escapades was too solid of a follow up, and ended on too much of a twisty ending to say goodbye now. —Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Dec. 2025

Colleagues, friends and supporters gathered at Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport to say goodbye. —Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 3 Dec. 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