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

Recent Examples on the Web Feel free to compost it or even flush it down the toilet for a final goodbye ceremony! Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024 Dubbed The Over and Out Tour, the shows will take place across North America this fall, beginning on August 24 in Palm Desert, California and lasting on through to October 25 when the band will conclude their goodbye run in Los Angeles. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 18 Mar. 2024 The end came with the help of a counselor who facilitated our goodbye. Cathleen Calkins, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 The Philadelphia Eagles center, 36, announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, taking a minute to thank his family of five, including wife Kylie, 31, in his lengthy goodbye speech. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 Try creating a goodbye ritual to soothe both of you and prepare your baby for the separation. Karen Horsch, Parents, 1 Mar. 2024 Pam and Michael have a final goodbye that viewers saw but couldn't hear. Erin Strecker, EW.com, 21 Feb. 2024 Celebrate and honor the retiree Organized programs can initiate and support the transition into retirement, as well as an event to say goodbye and honor their legacy. Graham Ward, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 Mandarina was buried with honors in his hometown, hundreds lining the streets to say goodbye as bullfighters and bands marched in the funeral procession. Toby Muse, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2024

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

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 29 Mar. 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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