goodbye

or good-bye

[ good-bahy ]

interjection

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

noun

, plural good·byes.

1. a farewell.

goodbye

/ ˌɡʊdˈbaɪ /

sentence substitute

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

"Losing someone you love is something we've all unfortunately had to experience - and sometimes we have the privilege to say goodbye and sometimes we don't," she says.

From BBC

At this week's Davis Cup Finals, which start on Tuesday, one of the tennis greats will say goodbye.

From BBC

The United Kingdom said goodbye to coal-powered electricity on Monday when the last coal-fired power plant in the country closed down.

From NewsForKids.net

“We never had a goodbye. I never got to hold his hand. His life feels so unfinished.”

From BBC

“The word stops, the heart dies / The wind counts the lost goodbyes,” goes one characteristically haunting stanza.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adieu
• bye-bye