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

James Hendrickson – known as Jimmy to his family – had reached into the car to kiss his mother goodbye, Tacho recalled. —Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026

In the aftermath of seeing the season end at the hands of Glenbard West, the 6-foot-3 junior forward offered up some perspective on not just losing the game but having to say goodbye. —Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

That conservative part of the Democratic Party, adios amigos, goodbye. —Las Vegas Review-Journal, Twin Cities, 24 Feb. 2026

The fans never got an opportunity to give a grateful goodbye, Pat Riley resigning on an early summer afternoon 36 years ago after the end of a lost season. —Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 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