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

Oftentimes, a child will be sad at goodbye time, but recover, Wirt says. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 5 June 2026

The latest update not only enhances the AI offerings on these Android phones but is another moment when users will say goodbye to Assistant and say hello to Gemini. —Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026

The captain of the F/V Northwestern isn't ready to say goodbye to his seafaring days. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026

Kiss sun damage goodbye, and cue the compliments. —Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 3 June 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