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

Similarly, there wasn’t really a goodbye or closure with Ritter’s character. —Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 21 May 2025

Wes reunites with Reiko for a brief thank you and goodbye. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 20 May 2025

Speaking to the crowd, Ceaser said graduation is a time to say hello and goodbye all at once. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025

After giving the pooch a few goodbye pets, the officers brought it to the Humane Society for care. —Kendall Malinchock, USA Today, 9 May 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