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 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 But once the Chiefs won the Super Bowl, some folks couldn’t wait to bid the beard goodbye. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 22 Feb. 2024 Ahead of David McCallum's death last September, his NCIS costar Brian Dietzen was able to say goodbye in a touching way. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2024 Her development this season, after the Hawkeyes bid goodbye to Czinano, has been more than impressive. Heather Tucker, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2024 But what if your ex took it a step further and used an AI chatbot to craft their goodbye? Daniel Wolfe, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024 Other shows previously announced to be saying goodbye after their next seasons, but without a final season premiere date (or year) officially announced, include Cobra Kai, Good Omens, The Handmaid's Tale, Outlander, Stranger Things, Vikings: Valhalla, and You. EW.com, 22 Jan. 2024 The very bright planet Venus continues its long goodbye in the early morning sky. Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 4 Feb. 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 19 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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