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DictionaryadieuFarewell
noun / interjection

adieu

uh-DOO/əˈduː/

A goodbye.

The departing guest bids his host adieu with a small bow.

A dignified farewell at a doorway: an older departing guest, with a suitcase beside his feet and his hat held against his chest, gives a small bow and a raised-hand goodbye to his older host.
Etymology
aOld Frenchto
+dieuOld FrenchGod

Literally “to God,” adieu shortened expressions such as “I commend you to God.” A blessing for someone being left became a general farewell.

In context

Shakespeare Network47:15
Fare thee well at once! The glow-worm shows the matin to be near, And 'gins to pale his uneffectual fire: Adieu, adieu!
Hamlet - Kenneth Branagh - Shakespeare - 1992 - Multiple Subtitles - HD Restored Edition - 4K

More examples

  • She said adieu at the door.
  • They exchanged adieus.
  • He wrote a final adieu.

Forms

adieu · adieus · adieux

Similar words

farewell
Another formal goodbye.
goodbye
The everyday equivalent.