bye
|bye|
/baɪ/
farewell; automatic advance
Etymology
'bye' originates from English as a shortened form of 'good-bye' (also written 'goodbye'), itself an expression used as a farewell.
'bye' developed as an informal clipping of 'good-bye' in modern English; 'good-bye' (16th–17th century) in turn arose from the phrase 'God be with you' (Early Modern English) which was contracted over time.
Originally the longer phrase conveyed a blessing meaning 'God be with you'; over time it became a secular farewell ('goodbye') and then was clipped to 'bye'. Other senses (e.g., an advance in a competition) developed by metaphorical extension or by other senses of 'by/bye' in sporting contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an automatic advance to the next round of a competition without having to play a scheduled opponent.
She received a bye into the quarterfinals.
Synonyms
Noun 2
in cricket, a run scored when the ball passes the batsman without touching the bat (or is not hit) and runs are taken.
He ran two byes after the ball went past the wicketkeeper.
Noun 3
a short absence or day off (chiefly British, informal).
I'm taking a bye next Friday.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/11/13 23:28