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
After shoes had been purchased and personalized, in addition to a goodie bag, guests were encouraged to choose a special One Of hair bow made from dead-stock fabric on their way out as the perfect parting gift to remember the night—and Bridal Fashion Week—by. Vogue, 9 Apr. 2024 From Ted Bundy's simple words to John Wayne Gacy's unapologetic demeanor, here are the parting words of notorious American killers. Jeff Truesdell, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024 The pauses gave him more time to perfect the album, which arrives close to nine years after the release of Slayer’s parting shot, Repentless. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 5 Feb. 2024 Cut to sit just below her cheekbones, the new haircut was styled into a centre parting, with two tendrils that fell around her face, and a wet-look finish. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2024 The band also posted a separate parting note from Holt that revealed they were asked to leave the band. Brooke Baitinger, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 And the parting profile is one best defined as a cherry bomb. Brad Japhe, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 And women tend to fare worse after the parting, at least in financial terms. USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024 That led to a parting of the ways, and Liben stopped training reviewers. Natalie Wexler, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024

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 18 Apr. 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

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