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

• adieu
• au revoir
• ave
• bon voyage
• congé
• congee
• farewell
• Godspeed

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home

Recent Examples on the Web

Eventually, Newhart — with a massive assist from his wife Ginnie — figured out how to turn this situation to the newer show’s advantage, and in the process created the single best joke any sitcom has ever used to say goodbye. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2024

Fan favorites Kenny Johnson and Alex Russell said goodbye in the Season 7 finale. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 18 July 2024

European leaders quietly wonder whether this is a goodbye to a U.S. president who hews to a transatlantic agenda — a bipartisan constant of U.S. foreign policy from World War II until Trump’s arrival in the White House in 2017. —John Hudson, Washington Post, 10 July 2024

Best For: Wave goodbye to dry under-eyes and crow’s feet! —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 July 2024

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

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