goodbye

noun

good·​bye gu̇d-ˈbī How to pronounce goodbye (audio)
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

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Just as the singer finished saying goodbye and thanking the coaches for her experience on the show, McEntire, 69, pressed her steal button. Daniela Avila, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024 The band said goodbye after the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister, and since then, several of the musicians known best for their work with the metal outfit have also passed. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 But all of the elements surrounding this long goodbye feel like spare parts grafted onto a dark-superhero-story chassis. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2024 Before heading off to school each morning, Neely would knock at his mother's door, wake her up and tell her goodbye. Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for goodbye 

Word History

Etymology

alteration of God be with you

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of goodbye was in 1575

Dictionary Entries Near goodbye

Cite this Entry

“Goodbye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goodbye. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on goodbye

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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