parting

1 of 2

noun

part·​ing ˈpär-tiŋ 

: a place or point where a division or separation occurs

see also:

parting of the ways

parting

2 of 2

adjective

: given, taken, or done at parting

a parting kiss

Synonyms of parting

Noun

• farewell
• departure

Adjective

• farewell

Examples of parting in a Sentence

Noun

I feared the morning, for I knew that our parting would be difficult.

On parting, he took my hand and promised to return.

“Good-night, good-night! Parting is such sweet sorrow…”

—Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

the parting of the Red Sea

Adjective

His parting words to me were “Be patient.”

As her parting shot, she said that the other candidate simply did not understand the needs of the city's citizens.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Instead, Iamaleava is remembered for his tumultuous exit from Knoxville, a parting characterized by head coach Josh Heupel that the program would move on without its starting signal-caller, leading the Long Beach product to UCLA. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

In his parting words, Coleman expressed his love for the actress and his wish that she had been protected and free of suffering. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

After the presentation, markers are passed out so parents can write parting notes for their children on the whiteboard. — Literary Hub, 17 Aug. 2026

After parting ways with head coach Marin Sjögren and assistant coach Anders Jacobson, Karina Báez made her debut as interim coach for Chicago. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1562, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing parting

• parting of the ways
• parting shot
• took a parting shot
• water parting

Rhymes for parting

• carting
• charting
• darting
• smarting
• starting
• departing
• imparting
• restarting

Kids Definition

parting

1 of 2 noun

part·​ing ˈpärt-iŋ 

1

: separation sense 1, division

2

: a place where a division or separation occurs

a parting of the ways

3

: leave-taking

shake hands at parting

parting

2 of 2 adjective

1

: being in the process of departing

2

: serving to divide : separating

3

: given, taken, or performed at parting

a parting kiss