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

• adieu
• au revoir
• ave
• bon voyage
• congé
• congee
• farewell
• Godspeed

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bulk of the dates are rescheduled, but the band added three cities: Pittsburgh, Orlando and Philadelphia, where their goodbye run kicked off last September. —USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024

David had clearly earned the right from HBO (like CNN, a unit of Warner Bros. Discovery), creatively speaking, to say goodbye on his terms, and yes, not to fret about the reaction. —Brian Lowry, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024

Ryan Dorsey is sharing a heartfelt goodbye to his and Naya Rivera's dog Emmy. —Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024

That’s what makes saying goodbye now bittersweet, despite my excitement over the changes to come. —Brooke Staggs, Orange County Register, 3 Apr. 2024

State pulled away with a double-digit lead with just under 7 minutes left in the second half, sealing the deal for the Wolfpack and kissing the Blue Devils’ chances at yet another Final Four appearance goodbye. —Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 1 Apr. 2024

The man declined to identify himself to a reporter, but the interaction ended with him regaling officers with his gambling exploits and a fist-bump goodbye. —Peter Hermann, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024

Jameela’s caretakers acknowledge that saying goodbye is hard, but it’s always been their goal that she be raised by gorillas. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2024

Saying goodbye is death by a thousand cuts, but luckily, the Eras Tour film is forever. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2024

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

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