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 of goodbye

• farewell

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home

Recent Examples on the Web

While their story is coming to a close, this is never truly a goodbye. —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026

The biggest goodbye wasn’t always the one that felt the biggest. —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026

But on Monday, while saying a victorious goodbye to Pauley Pavilion, the Bruins were still mostly unbothered. —Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026

Wave goodbye to production barriers — anyone can be a musician. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026

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