parting

1 of 2

noun

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

parting

2 of 2

adjective

: 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

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
Noun
And women tend to fare worse after the parting, at least in financial terms. USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024 That led to a parting of the ways, and Liben stopped training reviewers. Natalie Wexler, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 No disrespect to the pastry chef, the talent behind the lovely bonbons and edible parting gifts, but the sweetest thing here is the Burkes’ toddler, Atticus, who plays or naps behind the kitchen door and whose dad might trot him out at the end of service. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2024 The parting was confirmed late Monday by Verve in a statement. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 20 Feb. 2024 On each seat was a pair of new Bose earbuds, a parting gift for guests in honor of Smith’s partnership with them. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 14 Feb. 2024 The parting of ways is said to be due to a difference in vision and to be amicable. Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Feb. 2024 Israel’s invasion of Gaza awaits the parting of clouds. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2023 But he also is known for clashing with his superiors, something that led to his parting with San Francisco and reportedly resulted in strained relations with some people at Michigan. Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'parting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1562, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near parting

Cite this Entry

“Parting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parting. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on parting

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