goodbye

noun good·bye \ gu̇d-ˈbī , gə(d)- \

variants: or good-bye or less commonly goodby or good-by

Definition of goodbye

1 :a concluding remark or gesture at parting —often used interjectionally

2 :a taking of leave

a tearful goodbye

See goodbye defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of goodbye from the Web

Say goodbye to one of Cincinnati's most iconic landmarks.

— randy tucker, Cincinnati.com, "The iconic Hudepohl smokestack is coming down after asbestos cleanup at the old brewery site," 29 Aug. 2017
Though Littlefinger’s big goodbye was a vital scene, the character who was actually mentioned the most on social media was, of course, Jon Snow.

— yohana desta, HWD, "Game of Thrones: Proof That Everyone Really Loved That Bloody Character Death," 28 Aug. 2017
My wife often kisses male friends on the lips as greetings or goodbyes.

— carolyn hax, idahostatesman, "Boyfriend gets email from the one who got away," 25 Aug. 2017
Rosario was in the Steel Yard clubhouse Wednesday saying goodbye to teammates after the RailCats' win against St. Paul.

— michael osipoff, Post-Tribune, "RailCats make tough move, trade ace pitcher Charle Rosario to Winnipeg," 10 Aug. 2017
Designated Survivor (ABC) The second season of the political drama welcomes NCIS: New Orleans' Zoe McLellan and Royal Pains' Paulo Costanzo (but says goodbye to Virginia Madsen, who departed after Season One).

— whitney friedlander, Esquire, "Fall TV Preview: Your Complete Guide to the Season's Premieres," 4 Aug. 2017
This man gets up every morning, kisses his wife goodbye, drives to the studio, and makes Donald Duck cartoons.

— marc snetiker, EW.com, "Carrie Fisher, Oprah Winfrey inducted as Disney Legends in emotional ceremony," 14 July 2017
Migrants must wave goodbye to familiar people, familiar customs and grandma’s cooking.

— The Economist, "If borders were openA world of free movement would be $78 trillion richer," 13 July 2017
Our last visit to his family his step-mother refused to come out of the house to say goodbye to me — or her grandson.

— dena landon, Good Housekeeping, "I Don't Want to Be My Kid's Best Friend — Not Now, Not Ever," 12 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'goodbye.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of goodbye

alteration of God be with you

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1575

See Words from the same year

GOODBYE Defined for Kids

good-bye

interjection

variants: or good-by \gu̇d-ˈbī\

Definition of good-bye for Students

—used to express good wishes to someone who is leaving

good-bye

noun

variants: or good-by

Definition of good-bye for Students

:a remark made when someone is leaving

Learn More about goodbye

Nglish: Translation of goodbye for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of goodbye for Arabic speakers

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goodbye

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good-bye

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good-bye

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