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

Lee wanted to get back on stage from the moment the band said goodbye in August of 2015, but confirming the tour meant many months of grim-faced work. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026

Washington’s four newest pitchers describe packing up and saying goodbye in the hours after getting the news. — Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2026

On the final day of shooting, Chandrasekhar remembered that everyone was hugging each other goodbye. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026

Daeron betrays Ormund after being officially knighted by him earlier in the episode, and the two never get a proper goodbye. — Matt Minton, Variety, 10 Aug. 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