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

see also:

kiss goodbye

Synonyms of goodbye

• farewell

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home

Recent Examples on the Web

The first indication that the goodbye in San Francisco wouldn’t truly be a farewell came in September, when their name appeared on the 2027 Stagecoach festival lineup. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2026

His husband, father, sister and niece are in New York, desperate to be reunited for a proper goodbye. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026

Seamlessly lacing their powerhouse vocals, the Dominican artist and Fonsi sing about that final goodbye that’s essential in any breakup. — Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2026

Goodbye trades, goodbye free agency, until there’s a new labor contract. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 29 Oct. 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