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

• farewell

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home

Recent Examples on the Web

After six seasons, the ridiculous and charming series based on Taika Waititi’s 2014 film by the same name said goodbye and picked up six Emmy nominations in its wake, including best comedy and an outstanding writing nod for the series finale. —Trey Williams, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2025

Fans lined the streets of the British city to say goodbye, and wife Sharon and kids Kelly, Jack, Aimee and Louis got out on the Black Sabbath bridge to view the many tributes left by fans. —Rachel Desantis, People.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Despite this goodbye, the sun is far from setting on the undeniable uniqueness and spirit that is Cyndi Lauper. —Jessi Roti, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025

In the final scenes, Turner, who's been hallucinating Caleb in the years since his murder, has one final vision of the boy and says goodbye. —Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 29 July 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