parting

1 of 2

noun

part·​ing ˈpär-tiŋ How to pronounce parting (audio)
: a place or point where a division or separation occurs

parting

2 of 2

adjective

: given, taken, or done at parting
a parting kiss
Phrases
parting of the ways
1
: a point of separation or divergence
2
: a place or time at which a choice must be made

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
The performance, of course, is a resounding success and as a parting gift, the class is surprised with everything on their Amazon Wish List including brand new dance gear, a piano, a drum set, a full soundboard, and wireless microphones. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2024 Styled by hairstylist Marissa Marino with a center parting and tousled waves, the cut skimmed Selena’s collarbones. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2024 The key is how natural the hairline and middle parting space appear, so lace is important here. Kedean Smith, refinery29.com, 27 Sep. 2024 The models all sport a replica of the bouffant beehive with a straight parting that Aksu’s mother rocked during the cultural decade. Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for parting 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'parting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1562, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parting was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near parting

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

parting

1 of 2 noun
part·​ing ˈpärt-iŋ How to pronounce parting (audio)
1
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

More from Merriam-Webster on parting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!