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

Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp wanted an appropriate goodbye with one Hawkins resident in particular as the sci-fi series concluded last month. —Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Jan. 2026

But what is the proper way to say goodbye? —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026

Because of the security issues on that trip, Habiba and I never said goodbye. —Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026

Others were calling loved ones to say goodbye. —Norma Torres, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026

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