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

With the support of his new grandparents, he allowed himself to finally start saying goodbye to Grandma, the first of many steps in a world, in a life, without her physical presence.

From Literature

“Then goodbye for the last time, hideous fox!”

From Literature

He was alert enough the night before his death to say goodbye to his daughter.

From Los Angeles Times

On my last batch of shows I’ve tried to never firmly say goodbye to a character because of the way we play in time.

From Los Angeles Times

She gives me a thumbs up, and with a kiss and a warm hug, we say goodbye.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adieu
• bye-bye