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

• farewell

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home

Recent Examples on the Web

Kiss messy suitcases goodbye with these genius travel organizers. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025

Jakob describes the album, which is due out later this year, as an epilogue for a band who never got to say a proper goodbye. —Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

Hopefully, any disillusioned fans will make their peace and turn out to say a final goodbye. —Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Thousands of fans lined the streets of his hometown to say goodbye. —Charna Flam, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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