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.
As Days of Our Lives hits an important milestone, the show is saying its final goodbye to soap legend, Bill Hayes. Esther Kang, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024 On Saturday, the 16x Grammy winner performed the final show in her Weekends with Adele Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace, sharing a heartfelt goodbye with her adoring fans at the Colosseum. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Nov. 2024 Then a very gray-looking Ian gingerly makes his way outside to hug everyone goodbye, waving as their cart disappears down the road. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 22 Nov. 2024 The performer, who starred on CBS’ NCIS as lead special agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs before saying goodbye in season 19, is still focused on telling stories about the U.S. Navy. Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near goodbye

Cite this Entry

“Goodbye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goodbye. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

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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