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

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

Plus, this way, both artists and patrons have time to say their goodbyes.

From Los Angeles Times

“When I said goodbye to this job, to this life of opulence and glitter, images and adoration, the quest to be desired, I was saving my life.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adieu
• bye-bye