parting

1 of 2

noun

part·​ing ˈpär-tiŋ How to pronounce parting (audio)
Synonyms of partingnext
: a place or point where a division or separation occurs
see also:
parting of the ways

parting

2 of 2

adjective

: given, taken, or done at parting
a parting kiss

Synonyms of parting

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Noun

Adjective

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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
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Noun
Tarik Skubal could have been wearing a Rays hat or a Brewers hat if either organization felt comfortable parting with prospects. — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 And so, Brown avoided parting with any of the club’s prospects. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Her hair was worn in signature blown out waves that picked up the caramel shades in her long brunette hair, her parting swept slightly to the side. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Aug. 2026 Aniston and Witherspoon, who executive-produce and star as anchors on the show, took to social media to share some parting words for the bittersweet news. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for parting

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1562, in the meaning defined above

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

Phrases Containing parting

Rhymes for parting

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Browse Nearby Words

parti-mortgage certificate
parting
parting flask
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Cite this Entry

“Parting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parting. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

parting

1 of 2 noun
part·​ing ˈpärt-iŋ How to pronounce parting (audio)
1
: separation sense 1, division
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

Nglish: Translation of parting for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parting

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