adieu

noun

ə-ˈdü How to pronounce adieu (audio)
a-, 
-ˈdyü
plural adieus or adieux ə-ˈdüz How to pronounce adieu (audio)
a-, 
-ˈdyüz
Synonyms of adieu
: an expression of good wishes when someone leaves : goodbye
a heartfelt adieu
bid his teammates adieu
—often used interjectionally
Adieu, my friends!

Synonyms of adieu

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Examples of adieu in a Sentence

we bid our adieus and were off
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wheatberry Bakeshop will bid adieu to South End Charlotte next month, just over a year after its debut. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026 Choose from regular, petite, and tall options, then bid adieu to the tailor. —Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026 Others paid tribute to Sundance’s crucial role in supporting independent film and bidding adieu to Park City while the Josephine filmmaker focused her comments on rape culture. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026 And then there’s Claude, the city’s beloved albino alligator who bid adieu to his fans in December. —Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adieu

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French a deu, a dieu, literally, "to God"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adieu was in the 15th century

Rhymes for adieu

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Browse Nearby Words

adibasi
adieu
a difference of opinion
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adieu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/adieu. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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Kids Definition

adieu

noun
ə-ˈd(y)ü How to pronounce adieu (audio)
a-
plural adieus or adieux -ˈd(y)üz How to pronounce adieu (audio)
: farewell entry 2 sense 1
—often used interjectionally
Etymology

Middle English adieu "farewell," from early French adieu (same meaning), from a Dieu, literally "(I commit you) to God," from Latin Deus "God" — related to adios, deity

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