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

see also:

kiss goodbye

Synonyms of goodbye

• farewell

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home

Recent Examples on the Web

The Sun, who now begin the process of relocating to Houston for next season, gave their loyal, vociferous and orange-clad fans a goodbye present, a 95-81 victory over the Toronto Tempo, just a little something to remember them by. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

In the GoFundMe, Hunter’s family said his loss has left them struggling to say goodbye. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

Deerfield junior running back Mycol Cochran can kiss anonymity goodbye. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Someone said that the first tomato sandwich of the season can’t be beat, but not far behind is the last one — a bittersweet goodbye to a fleeting treat. — Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 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