celebrant

American  

[sel-uh-bruhnt] / ˈsɛl ə brənt /

noun

1. a participant in any celebration.

2. the officiating priest in the celebration of the Eucharist.

3. a participant in a public religious rite.

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celebrant British  

/ ˈsɛlɪbrənt /

noun

1. a person participating in a religious ceremony

2. Christianity an officiating priest, esp at the Eucharist

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Other Word Forms

• precelebrant noun

Etymology

Origin of celebrant

1830–40; < Latin celebrant- (stem of celebrāns present participle of celebrāre to solemnize, celebrate), equivalent to celebr- ( celebrate ) + -ant- -ant

Example Sentences

I recall a Mass during the Reagan years in which the celebrant told the congregation at great length that nuclear war would be a Very Bad Thing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

Straight offers their grief and work much as a celebrant holds up a sacrifice, for all to see and contemplate.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2025

"You can bring your own flowers, you don't need to pay for a florist, you can run the ceremony yourself, you don't need to have a religious minister or a celebrant."

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2025

But when they arrived she was "shocked" and "furious" to find no other guests present except for her partner, a photographer, the photographer's friend and a celebrant, according to her deposition quoted in court documents.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2025

It had taken place every January third since 1920, although Shadrack, its founder, was for many years the only celebrant.

From "Sula" by Toni Morrison