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

Synonyms of goodbye

• farewell

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home

Recent Examples on the Web

Continue reading … RANGE LIFE — Kurt Russell says people warned him leaving LA was ‘goodbye’ to his career. —FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026

Say goodbye to uncomfortable underwear that digs. —ABC News, 1 June 2026

On May 18, after spending thousands of dollars on medical care, Carlos and her partner said goodbye to Beanz. —Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026

These themes still feel incredibly relevant heading into a thrilling finale that may double as a series goodbye. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 31 May 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