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

• adieu
• au revoir
• ave
• bon voyage
• congé
• congee
• farewell
• Godspeed

Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home

Recent Examples on the Web

What 20 years might not prepare an athlete for is ultimately how to say goodbye, which is sometimes the hardest thing for an athlete at her level and with her competitive drive. —Chantel Jennings, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025

After bidding a passionless goodbye to his Hamburg girlfriend Sarah (Laura Sophia Landauer) and entrusting her to look after his dog, Munir takes the doctor’s advice and decides to get away. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2025

Hope and Haley were also seen outside with their mom at the end of the 8 a.m. hour, standing on the Plaza as Kotb shared her final goodbye. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025

As the months and years pass, the little girl begins to grow up, but the dog is still right there by her side, watching thunderstorms and blizzards, taking naps, and—in the baby's case—learning to wave hello and goodbye. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 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