goodbye

noun

good·​bye gu̇d-ˈbī How to pronounce goodbye (audio)
gə(d)-
variants or good-bye or less commonly goodby or good-by
Synonyms of goodbyenext
1
: a concluding remark or gesture at parting
—often used interjectionally
2
: a taking of leave
a tearful goodbye

Synonyms of goodbye

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Examples of goodbye in a Sentence

said our good-byes and headed for home
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Skateboarders have flown in from every continent to ride the banks over the decades, and on Friday, a couple of locals came to say goodbye before the demolition. — Maddie White, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 Herrera’s goodbye came after the team made a blatant move to signal that May will be traded in the near future. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 For weeks, she’s been spacing out her final visits because saying goodbye has been difficult for everyone. — Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 Trossard has said an emotional goodbye to Arsenal and been unveiled at Besiktas. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for goodbye

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

Phrases Containing goodbye

Rhymes for goodbye

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Browse Nearby Words

good book
goodbye
good cholesterol
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Cite this Entry

“Goodbye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goodbye. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of goodbye for Spanish Speakers

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