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
see also:
kiss 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.
Big Tex waved his final goodbye at the 2026 State Fair of Texas on Sunday. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 In its goodbye announcement, co-owners Evaleen Nambo and Serapio Nambo thanked customers for their support. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 For some younger acts, like Wu-Tang Clan, this isn’t guaranteed goodbye. — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 2026 As customers travel from near and far to say goodbye, this heartwarming portrait celebrates an everyday worker who always went above and beyond, and the joy and community one person can inspire. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 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

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