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

see also:

kiss goodbye

Synonyms of goodbye

• farewell

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home

Recent Examples on the Web

Minervini calmed down from there, delivering a more graceful goodbye. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026

Stop by the many businesses saying goodbye for the season with parting gifts of Halloween goodies. — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026

Keep your goodbye warm and brief, without announcing your reasons to everyone at the table. — Angela Haupt, Time, 7 Oct. 2026

Then, last night, Messi said goodbye for real after being convinced to play one more game for La Albiceleste. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 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