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

said our good-byes and headed for home

Recent Examples on the Web

Just as the singer finished saying goodbye and thanking the coaches for her experience on the show, McEntire, 69, pressed her steal button. —Daniela Avila, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024

The band said goodbye after the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister, and since then, several of the musicians known best for their work with the metal outfit have also passed. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

But all of the elements surrounding this long goodbye feel like spare parts grafted onto a dark-superhero-story chassis. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2024

Before heading off to school each morning, Neely would knock at his mother's door, wake her up and tell her goodbye. —Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 21 Oct. 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