goodbye

noun

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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

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about goodbye

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Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Is this is really how I'm supposed to tell her goodbye? — Anchorage Daily News, "‘From normal life to this hell in a week’: An Indiana man on losing his partner to coronavirus," 29 Mar. 2020 Is this is really how I’m supposed to tell her goodbye? — Eli Saslow, Washington Post, "‘Anything good I could say about this would be a lie.’," 28 Mar. 2020 Say goodbye to cheaply implemented 2D sprites mixed into the 3D antics. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Animal Crossing: New Horizons review: A quarantined life has never been cuter," 16 Mar. 2020 Keep reading for a breakdown of Jennifer’s explanation, Jackie’s goodbye, and the latest news on the actress. — Tierney Mcafee, Country Living, "Why Did Jennifer Esposito Leave ‘Blue Bloods?’ All the Details About Her Sudden Exit," 13 Mar. 2020 Fans say goodbye Longtime customers and friends expressed their gratitude to the couple and congratulated them on their retirement. — Kimi Robinson, azcentral, "Beloved Phoenix comic book store to close after 38 years. Here's why its fans will miss it," 7 Feb. 2020 Across the country, men like Gul Dasta’s husband are saying goodbye to loved ones to search for work in Iran, leaving women to head households in a traditionally patriarchal society. — National Geographic, "In Afghanistan, climate change complicates future prospects for peace," 3 Feb. 2020 Eleanor then bid poignant goodbye to Janet in the forest, the final unknown in front of them, with Eleanor explaining that as a very wise not-robot told her, the true joy is in the mystery. — Dan Snierson, EW.com, "The Good Place finale: Kristen Bell on the emotional 'tough-love ending'," 31 Jan. 2020 Bryant announced his retirement in advance and soaked up cheers and goodbyes at every arena in the league throughout the season. — Mike Finger, ExpressNews.com, "For Spurs and Bryant, rivalry was forged in respect," 26 Jan. 2020

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.

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Last Updated

2 Apr 2020

Cite this Entry

“Goodbye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goodbye. Accessed 4 Apr. 2020.

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More Definitions for goodbye

goodbye

noun

English Language Learners Definition of goodbye

: a remark or gesture made when someone is leaving

: a time or occasion when someone leaves

See the full definition for goodbye in the English Language Learners Dictionary

good-bye

interjection

variants: or good-by \ gu̇d-ˈbī \

Kids Definition of good-bye

(Entry 1 of 2)

—used to express good wishes to someone who is leaving

good-bye

noun

variants: or good-by

Kids Definition of good-bye (Entry 2 of 2)

: a remark made when someone is leaving

WORD OF THE DAY

solecism

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goodbye

Definition of goodbye

Synonyms & Antonyms for goodbye

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

First Known Use of goodbye

History and Etymology for goodbye

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English Language Learners Definition of goodbye