goodbye

Sometimes good·by,
Or good-bye

[good-bahy]

interjection

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

noun

plural

goodbyes 

1. a farewell.

goodbye

/ ˌɡʊdˈbaɪ /

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

The speedy Thompson, 20, has already said goodbye to her Angel City teammates and did not suit up for the team’s win over Bay FC on Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

On the final day, staff, volunteers and some of the men they have supported, packed into the small kitchen to say goodbye.

From BBC

It seemed the perfect way to say goodbye.

From BBC

On this record, “Red Eye Flight” could be a goodbye to a lover, or it could be a Dear John letter to addiction.

From Salon

"I dropped her at school and I said goodbye to her," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• adieu 
• bye-bye