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

Just in time to bid adieu to the month of August and welcome in September. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 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

And bid adieu to a Stutz building coffee shop, a Fishers taproom and more. —Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 2 July 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