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

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

Sources describe the parting as amicable, and Wyle doesn’t have immediate plans to sign with another talent agency. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026

Back in King’s Landing, Rhaenyra comes to find that her prisoner Helaena has taken her own life but left a parting gift for the queen that foreshadows a potential prophecy of Rhaenyra’s path towards madness. — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 9 Aug. 2026

Tarik Skubal could have been wearing a Rays hat or a Brewers hat if either organization felt comfortable parting with prospects. — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 4 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