Definition of bye

The word "bye" has its roots in Old English and Middle English. In Old English, the phrase "bīe" or "bī" meant "farewell" or "dismissal," while in Middle English (circa 1100-1500), it evolved into "by" or "bye," a word used to bid farewell or part ways. In the 14th century, the phrase "to take leave" or "to bid adieu" was used in the phrase "to bye folk," meaning "to bid farewell to people." Over time, the phrase was shortened to simply "bye," and by the 18th century, it had become a common way to say goodbye in informal settings, such as in dialectal English and colonial America. Today, "bye" is widely used in many dialects and contexts, be it in person, over the phone, or even in digital communication. And that's the story of how "bye" came to be!