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

So, prioritize daily physical touch — whether that’s a goodbye hug, holding hands on the couch or rubbing your partner’s back before bed. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Here’s a long goodbye to David Thomas of Pere Ubu, one of the most defiantly eccentric and uncompromising voices in American rock. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025

Knowing how difficult the grieving process can be, Jennifer wanted to normalize letting your pets say goodbye, especially as dogs are pack animals. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

Green’s Deli, which opened in 2022 as Green’s Market, is on track to say goodbye after a final day Thursday. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 21 Apr. 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