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

The Good Doctor cast says goodbye ahead of finale: 'The legacy of the show will be hope and heart' At the same time, Dr. Claire Brown (Antonio Thomas), who recently returned to San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital, is facing an infection following her own cancer surgery. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 22 May 2024

Hundreds lined up outside the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in the Atlanta suburb of Stonecrest last Friday to say their final goodbye to Roger Fortson. —Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 21 May 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