goodbye

Sometimes good·by,
Or good-bye

[good-bahy]

interjection

1. farewell (a conventional expression used at parting).

noun

plural

goodbyes 

1. a farewell.

goodbye

/ ˌɡʊdˈbaɪ /

1. farewell: a conventional expression used at leave-taking or parting with people and at the loss or rejection of things or ideas

noun

1. a leave-taking; parting

   they prolonged their goodbyes for a few more minutes

2. a farewell

   they said goodbyes to each other

Word History and Origins

Origin of goodbye¹

First recorded in 1565–75; contraction of God be with ye

Word History and Origins

Origin of goodbye¹

C16: contraction of God be with ye

Example Sentences

If a dybbuk can re-enter a ravaged brain as a gift to loved ones longing for a last goodbye, why are only a few people blessed with this miracle?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"They just say: 'I'm going away for a few moons, then I'll come back.' And they say goodbye."

Read more on BBC

As he put it on stage about being 73, “there’s a lot more yesterdays, and more goodbyes.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Both are alarmed by the sudden reappearance of a Frenchman nicknamed Beast, to whom they’d each bade goodbye years ago.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Although he loved his job and his connection to viewers, he was ready to say goodbye: “Even if you love what you do, 40 years is long enough.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adieu 
• bye-bye