parting

1 of 2

noun

part·​ing ˈpär-tiŋ How to pronounce parting (audio)
Synonyms of partingnext
: a place or point where a division or separation occurs

parting

2 of 2

adjective

: given, taken, or done at parting
a parting kiss

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
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Noun
The couple wanted to use their parting gift to write a new legacy in their hometown. Aubrey Violeta Gelpieryn, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026 The final two days of Passover commemorate the parting of the Red Sea, which provided an escape route from Egypt, and are also observed with specific traditions by some, such as reading a special prayer and studying the Torah. Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2026 The final two days of Passover commemorate the parting of the Red Sea, which provided an escape route from Egypt, and are also observed with specific traditions by some, such as reading a special prayer, studying the Torah and relaxing the rules around leavened foods. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 Specifically, Netflix has now pulled out as an equity partner in As Ever in what was described as a mutual parting of ways. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parting

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1562, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parting was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Parting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parting. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

parting

1 of 2 noun
part·​ing ˈpärt-iŋ How to pronounce parting (audio)
1
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 adjective
1
: being in the process of departing
2
: serving to divide : separating
3
: given, taken, or performed at parting
a parting kiss

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