goodbye

noun

good·​bye gu̇d-ˈbī How to pronounce goodbye (audio)
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

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home
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.
The Stranger Things alum then attempted to hang up, but the Saltburn actor wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye just yet. Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 18 July 2025 Black Sabbath said goodbye earlier this month with a farewell concert held in Birmingham, England, the very city where the band helped create the heavy metal genre. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 But with three more seasons still yet to air, Strange New Worlds isn’t ready to say goodbye just yet. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 15 July 2025 The Royals will shift to using helicopters and scheduled trains for travel between residences across the U.K. Before its retirement, the royal train will go on a farewell tour of Britain, giving the public a chance to say goodbye. Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for goodbye

Word History

Etymology

alteration of God be with you

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of goodbye was in 1575

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Goodbye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goodbye. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on goodbye

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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