goodbye

guhd-BY/ɡədˈbaɪ/

3 meanings of goodbye

1
interjection
A word you say when you leave someone, or when they leave you.
She waved and called goodbye as the train pulled away.
Goodbye, everyone. See you all next week!
UsageSay goodbye to someone. You can also wave goodbye.
Similarfarewell, bye, cheerio, adieu
Oppositehello, hi
2
nouncountable
The act of saying farewell when someone is leaving.
Their goodbye at the airport was full of tears.
He gave a quick goodbye and hurried out the door.
UsagePeople often say their goodbyes before they leave.
Similarfarewell, parting, send-off
Oppositegreeting, hello
3
verbcolloquialtransitive
To say farewell to someone as you or they leave.
My aunt always goodbyes us twice at the door, so leaving takes ages.
Come and goodbye your grandma before she drives home.
Oppositegreet, welcome

Practice

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Origin

It comes from the old phrase "God be with you." Over time it got shorter, and "God" changed to "good" because of phrases like "good morning" and "good night."

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 3 facts

Goodbye comes from God be with you. media.shakespeare.org.uk
The original phrase became shorter over time. en.wiktionary.org
God changed to good under the influence of phrases such as good morning and good night. en.wiktionary.org