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

All the singles pushed from Megadeth have earned short stays on that tally, and Megadeth may return in short order as fans recognize the group’s goodbye. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Their goodbye kiss is unmistakably the kind of smooch shared by two people who are more than just each other's hookups. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026

Saying goodbye wasn’t easy, though. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 29 Jan. 2026

In moments of loss, Jewish tradition seeks to wrap families in care, reminding us that even in goodbye, there can be meaning, holiness, and peace. —Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 27 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