farewell wave

USAGE SUMMARY

'farewell wave' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone is saying goodbye to someone else, either in person or from afar. For example, "She watched him drive away with a farewell wave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Cue a hollow laugh and a farewell wave.

The Guardian

The young dancers salute Astaire with a farewell wave -- but what had been a mood of celebration is now tinged with loss.

The New York Times

Before going through the revolving door, he turned around, held his load of books aloft in a kind of farewell wave, and lifted his head to them in triumph.

The New Yorker

Tricky Creek was a neck back in fourth with Thirty Six Red another neck back in fifth, as Criminal Type, Farewell Wave and Miserden completed the finish in that order.

The New York Times - Sports

Thousands of people lined the route in the hope of glimpsing the presidential convoy as Obama returned to Kenyatta airport and boarded Air Force One, turning for a hearty smile and farewell wave.

The Guardian

By the time the team and their soon-to-be-former manager returned to the pitch for an awkward bow and a farewell wave, there were only a few thousand fans left.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Fans lined the streets to bid the men farewell, waving North Korean flags and bouquets for players known at home as "The Dagger," "the Warrior" and "the Bulldozer".

The New York Times - Sports

There's a long, delicate encore of Chuck Berry's "Bye Bye Johnny", in which the lyric "Bye-bye, Johnny B. Goode" draws farewell waves from the crowd.

Independent

As Serioux tromped off the field at Pizza Hut Park, Beckham blew him a couple of kisses and then curled up his fingers and gave him a few farewell waves.

Los Angeles Times

The story begins on the day of his disappearance; as the horrors unfurl, we see Mariane replaying in her mind the moment when she bade her husband farewell — a wave and a smile, as he climbed into a cab.

The New Yorker

Indeed, he began a farewell tour, waving shyly as crowds of supporters, two thousand of them at the opening rally in Cardiff, chanted his name.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "farewell wave" to describe a physical gesture of saying goodbye, particularly when someone is departing or leaving a situation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "farewell wave" when a more intimate or personal goodbye is intended. It can sometimes sound distant or impersonal, so consider the emotional context of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "farewell wave" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition to describe an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing the gesture of saying goodbye.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "farewell wave" is a grammatically correct and neutral noun phrase used to describe the gesture of waving goodbye. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for use in written English. Although the phrase is not very common, its usage is primarily found in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for descriptive and journalistic writing. Alternatives such as "waving goodbye" or "parting wave" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waving goodbye

Highlights the action of waving in the context of saying goodbye.

last wave

Similar to final wave, but can also refer to a most recent wave in a series of interactions.

parting wave

Emphasizes the act of parting or leaving, making the wave a signal of departure.

send-off wave

Highlights the act of waving as part of a send-off or departure ceremony.

final wave

Indicates the last wave given, emphasizing the end of an interaction or relationship.

goodbye gesture

Focuses on the act of saying goodbye through a physical action, rather than specifying a wave.

cheerful wave goodbye

Adds a cheerful emotion to the wave, implying a positive or light-hearted farewell.

valedictory wave

Adds a formal tone, suggesting a formal farewell or speech.

beckoning farewell

Combines the idea of beckoning with a farewell, suggesting a more inviting or suggestive goodbye.

adieus wave

Uses the French word "adieu" for a more dramatic or sentimental farewell.

FAQs

What does "farewell wave" mean?

A "farewell wave" is a gesture of waving one's hand to signify goodbye or departure. It's a common way to express a friendly or respectful farewell.

When is it appropriate to use the term "farewell wave"?

It is appropriate to use "farewell wave" when describing someone physically waving as they leave or when recounting a memory of someone waving goodbye.

What are some alternative phrases for "farewell wave"?

Some alternatives include "waving goodbye", "parting wave", or simply "goodbye gesture", depending on the context.

Is "farewell wave" formal or informal?

"Farewell wave" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The tone depends more on the surrounding situation and the manner of the wave itself.