goodbye

American  

[good-bahy] / ˌgʊdˈbaɪ /

Sometimes goodby, or good-bye

interjection

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

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noun

plural

goodbyes

1. a farewell.

goodbye British  

/ ˌɡʊdˈbaɪ /

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

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noun

1. a leave-taking; parting

   they prolonged their goodbyes for a few more minutes

2. a farewell

   they said goodbyes to each other

Etymology

Origin of goodbye

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

Example Sentences

"Because we toured the whole of 2024, there were a few people that both of us had to say goodbye to," says Pavlovic.

From BBC

“The goodbye was hard. I grappled with this feeling like my life is over and I’m in a crisis, this is my whole identity and all I’ve ever known, and now it’s ending.”

From Los Angeles Times

In late May I sadly said goodbye to my second family when I wrote about the end of my 22-year run on ESPN’s popular “Around the Horn” game show.

From Los Angeles Times

I never had a chance to say goodbye to my childhood house.

From The Wall Street Journal

Over five weeks, you will learn how to build a list of powerful allies, gracefully ask for help, revive old connections and turn the goodbye email into your networking friend.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• adieu
• bye-bye