adieu

noun

ə-ˈdü How to pronounce adieu (audio)
a-,
-ˈdyü
plural adieus or adieux ə-ˈdüz How to pronounce adieu (audio)
a-,
-ˈdyüz
: an expression of good wishes when someone leaves : goodbye
a heartfelt adieu
bid his teammates adieu
often used interjectionally
Adieu, my friends!

Examples of adieu in a Sentence

we bid our adieus and were off
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Such was the level of desperation and failure in Westwood and Blacksburg that UCLA said goodbye to DeShaun Foster after all of 15 games, and Virginia Tech bid adieu to Brent Pry after three-plus seasons. Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 So much so, fans were saddened to bid adieu to the sixth and final season (which was nominated for 18 Emmys, per Deadline) at the end of 2023. Jessica Booth, PEOPLE, 5 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 See All Example Sentences for adieu

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of adieu was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Adieu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adieu. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

adieu

noun
plural adieus or adieux -ˈd(y)üz How to pronounce adieu (audio)
: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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