1 parting | Definition of parting

parting

noun
part·​ing | \ ˈpĂ€r-tiƋ How to pronounce parting (audio) \

Definition of parting

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a place or point where a division or separation occurs
parting of the ways
1 : a point of separation or divergence
2 : a place or time at which a choice must be made

parting

adjective

Definition of parting (Entry 2 of 2)

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

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Synonyms for parting

Synonyms: Noun

farewell, leave-taking, separation

Synonyms: Adjective

farewell, valedictory

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The Raiders made a wave of roster cuts Friday that included parting with a veteran linebacker and a former third-round pick. Matt Kawahara, SFChronicle.com, "Raiders’ Brandon Marshall, Eddie Vanderdoes among first wave of roster cuts," 30 Aug. 2019 The waiter, back to his carefree self, returned with a parting gift. Shauna Lyon, The New Yorker, "At L’Accolade, Artful Appetizers Pose as Drinking Food," 17 Aug. 2019 As with Dragic, and to a lesser degree Meyers Leonard, that could have the Heat weighing to cash out with Olynyk at February's NBA trading deadline, to at least get something in return rather than a July parting with nothing in return. Ira Winderman, sun-sentinel.com, "Winderman: Is Kelly Olynyk an expiring commodity for Heat? | Commentary," 11 Aug. 2019 Though Green has not been particularly outspoken about her career on the show, love interest and fellow musician Cashel Barnett hinted at her career with his parting gift. Ellise Shafer, Billboard, "Kyra Green's Pre-'Love Island' Musical History, From 'Kidz Bop' to 'America's Got Talent'," 7 Aug. 2019 The Giants can theoretically trade from an area of strength like their bullpen to address another weakness, but president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi does not have the luxury of parting with a starting pitcher of Bumgarner’s pedigree. Kerry Crowley, The Mercury News, "If Giants’ front office is convinced by team’s success, Zaidi can’t trade Bumgarner," 24 July 2019 After traversing all those miles and parting with all those dollars, the sunk cost is staggering. Travis Deshong, Washington Post, "Amusement parks are an expensive way to stand in line while roasting in the sun," 22 July 2019 There is real anguish in parting with Westbrook, a franchise icon and local hero for 11 seasons, but their future together was bleak at best. Ben Golliver, courant.com, "Rockets reunite Harden and Westbrook, trading old problems for new ones," 12 July 2019 In closing, Waters left some parting words for those who may have been left unmoved and needed yet another nudge to wield the power that is in their hands. Tanya A. Christian, Essence, "Rep. Maxine Waters Reminds Black Women At Essence Festival: ‘We Don’t Take S--t From Nobody’," 8 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'parting.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of parting

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1562, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for parting

parting

noun

English Language Learners Definition of parting

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a time or occurrence when people leave each other
: the act of separating something into two or more parts
British : the line where a person's hair is separated

parting

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of parting (Entry 2 of 2)

: given, taken, or done when leaving someone

parting

noun
part·​ing | \ ˈpĂ€r-tiƋ How to pronounce parting (audio) \

Kids Definition of parting

: an act of leaving someone Our parting was a sad occasion.

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