Search Dictionary
Definition of ciao

ciao

/ˈtʃaʊ/
ciao
Plural:ciaos
JUMP TO:

ciao Lexical Profile

ciao Game Scores & Validity

• interjection

1

Used as a casual expression of farewell upon parting.

Example

"I have to catch the next train home—ciao for now!"

2

Used as an informal greeting upon meeting someone, especially in Italian-influenced contexts.

Example

"Ciao, Marco! It is wonderful to see you again after all these years."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ciao
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ciao

• noun

1

An informal utterance of greeting or farewell.

Example

"She offered a quick ciao to her colleagues before leaving the office for the weekend."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ciao

Word Nuance & Usage

While used in Italian for both 'hello' and 'goodbye', in English 'ciao' is used almost exclusively as a casual farewell rather than a greeting.

• Rhymes for ciao

• Nearby Words

chutney
chutzpah
ciabatta
ciao
cicada
cicatrix
cicero

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 20th century from Italian 'ciao', from the Venetian 's-ciavo' meaning '(your) slave', derived from Medieval Latin 'sclavus' and used as a polite expression of deference ('at your service').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ciao. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ciao
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.