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Definition
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: a place or point where a division or separation occurs
: given, taken, or done at parting
a parting kiss
Phrases
parting of the ways
1
: a point of separation or divergence
2
: a place or time at which a choice must be made
Synonyms
Examples of parting in a Sentence
Noun
I feared the morning, for I knew that our parting would be difficult.
On parting, he took my hand and promised to return.
“Good-night, good-night! Parting is such sweet sorrow…”
—
Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
the parting of the Red Sea
Adjective
His parting words to me were “Be patient.”
As her parting shot, she said that the other candidate simply did not understand the needs of the city's citizens.
Recent Examples on the Web
Naomi Lim, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Jan. 2025
Attending last night’s (December 13) New York premiere, the actor wore her blonde hair in a low chignon, with a deep, dramatic side parting kept slick to her head.
—
Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2024
This was an amicable parting of ways, sources said, as Sloan’s deal was up and she’s relocated from New York to L.A. to focus more on her acting and stand-up.
—
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
However, the terms of that agreement are up for review on November 30, before the start of Trump’s second term, leaving the outgoing Democratic administration with an opportunity to put in place pricing rules that will apply for a six-year period, as a parting gift.
—
Joel Khalili, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024
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Noun
Former President Joe Biden took a parting shot at President Donald Trump before departing Washington, D.C., for California and embarking on his life as a private citizen.
—Word History
Phrases Containing parting
Dictionary Entries Near parting
Cite this Entry
“Parting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parting. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
parting
1 of 2 noun
part·ing
ˈpärt-iŋ
2
: a place where a division or separation occurs
a parting of the ways
3
: leave-taking
shake hands at parting
parting
2 of 2 adjective1
: being in the process of departing
2
: serving to divide : separating
3
: given, taken, or performed at parting
a parting kiss
More from Merriam-Webster on parting
Nglish: Translation of parting for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of parting for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parting
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