adieu

noun

ə-ˈdü 

a-,

-ˈdyü

plural adieus or adieux ə-ˈdüz 

a-,

-ˈdyüz

: an expression of good wishes when someone leaves : goodbye

a heartfelt adieu

bid his teammates adieu

—often used interjectionally

Adieu, my friends!

Synonyms

• farewell
• good-by

Examples of adieu in a Sentence

we bid our adieus and were off

Recent Examples on the Web

Wilson and Farmiga told the New York Times in a recent interview that their performances in the film bid proper adieu to their characters. —Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Looks like Daniel Tosh is bidding adieu to his swank High Sierra lifestyle. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025

Sundae Shoppe Mini Ice Cream Cones Every Labor Day party needs a sweet finish to match that of summer’s adieu, which is why these Mini Ice Cream Cones are such a hit with guests of all ages. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025

Santos surrendered to prison authorities after bidding a dramatic adieu to supporters. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French a deu, a dieu, literally, "to God"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for adieu

• deux
• milieu

Kids Definition

adieu

noun

ə-ˈd(y)ü 

a-

plural adieus or adieux -ˈd(y)üz 

: farewell entry 2 sense 1

—often used interjectionally

Etymology

Middle English adieu "farewell," from early French adieu (same meaning), from a Dieu, literally "(I commit you) to God," from Latin Deus "God" — related to adios, deity