Dictionary.com

goodbye

or good-bye

[ good-bahy ]
/ ˌgʊdˈbaɪ /
Save This Word!

interjection
farewell (a conventional expression used at parting).
noun, plural good·byes.
a farewell.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Sometimes good·by, good-by .

Origin of goodbye

First recorded in 1565–75; contraction of God be with ye
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use goodbye in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for goodbye

goodbye
/ (ˌɡʊdˈbaɪ) /

sentence substitute
farewell: a conventional expression used at leave-taking or parting with people and at the loss or rejection of things or ideas
noun
a leave-taking; partingthey prolonged their goodbyes for a few more minutes
a farewellthey said goodbyes to each other

Word Origin for goodbye

C16: contraction of God be with ye
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK