# parting

/ˈpɑɹtɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈɑːtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/parting
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. saying goodbye

noun · CEFR B2

the act of leaving someone or saying goodbye, often for a long time.

For teachers: the act of departing or taking leave of someone, often implying a significant or final separation.

- Their parting at the airport was very emotional because they wouldn't see each other for a year.
- The final parting between the two diplomats was marked by a cold, formal handshake that suggested no further negotiations would occur.

### 2. line in hair

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

the line on your head where you comb your hair in two different directions.

For teachers: the line of scalp visible when hair is combed in opposite directions.

- He used a comb to make a straight parting on the left side of his head.
- The stylist suggested a jagged parting to add volume to her fine hair, rather than the severe central line she usually wore.

Usage: In American English, this is usually called a 'part'.

Teaching tip: Learners should be aware that 'parting' is the standard term in the UK, while 'part' is preferred in the US.

### 3. physical separation

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the act of dividing or splitting something into two or more pieces.

For teachers: the act of dividing, separating, or breaking apart; often used in technical contexts like geology or engineering.

- The parting of the heavy curtains revealed a beautiful view of the mountains.
- Geologists identified a distinct parting in the coal seam, indicating a shift in the rock strata over millions of years.

### 4. final or leaving

adjective · CEFR B2

given or done at the moment of leaving.

For teachers: given, said, or done at the moment of departure; often used in the fixed phrase 'parting shot'.

- His parting words to the team were full of encouragement for the next season.
- As she walked out the door, she delivered a stinging parting shot that left the room in stunned silence.

## Examples

- Their parting at the airport was very emotional.
- After twenty years of working together, their parting was professional but clearly difficult for the whole team.
- The poet describes the bittersweet nature of their parting, suggesting that every goodbye contains the seed of a future meeting.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.