Definition

1. Interjection:

   • A casual, informal, and often affectionate way of saying goodbye, typically used in speech, especially to children or in familiar settings. It is a reduplication of "bye."

2. Noun (informal, chiefly childish):

   • An act of saying goodbye; a farewell. It can also refer, in very childish language, to sleep or bed (as in "go to bye-bye").

Usage and Examples

• As an Interjection:

  • "Bye-bye! See you tomorrow!" she called to her friend.
  • The mother waved and said, "Bye-bye, sweetie!" to her child.

• As a Noun (farewell):

  • They exchanged quick bye-byes before hanging up the phone.
  • It was time for a tearful bye-bye at the airport.

Advanced Usage

• "to go to bye-bye": An informal, childish phrase meaning to go to sleep or go to bed.
  • It's past your bedtime; let's go to bye-bye.

Variants and Related Words

• Bye (interjection/noun): The standard, more common short form of "goodbye."
  • "Bye for now!"
• Goodbye (interjection/noun): The full, standard term for a farewell.
  • He said his goodbyes and left.

Synonyms

• Farewell: A more formal word for goodbye.
• See you later: A casual phrase implying a future meeting.
• So long: An informal farewell.

Notes on Usage

• "Bye-bye" is markedly more informal and often perceived as softer or cuter than "bye." It is frequently used when speaking to young children, close friends, or family members.
• Its use as a noun meaning "sleep" ("go to bye-bye") is considered baby talk and is not used in standard adult conversation.

Noun

1. a farewell remark
   • they said their good-byes