Valedictory is an adjective that means serving as a farewell.

The Latin phrase vale dicere (VAL ay dee CHAIR ay) means ‘to say goodbye,’ and it provides the origin or our word of the day. Valedictory is often used in a formal setting. Here’s an example. It was a touching moment to watch the king offer a heartfelt valedictory to his subjects. Saying goodbye after a long, distinguished reign like that must not have been easy.