cheerio

interjection

cheer·io ˌchir-ē-ˈō

chiefly British

—usually used as a farewell and sometimes as a greeting or toast

Word History

Etymology

cheery + -o

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cheerio was in 1914

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Cheerio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheerio. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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