celebrate

[sel-uh-breyt]

verb (used with object)

celebrated, celebrating 

1. to observe (a day) or commemorate (an event) with ceremonies or festivities.

   to celebrate Christmas; to celebrate the success of a new play.

   Synonyms: solemnize, commemorate

2. to make known publicly; proclaim.

   The newspaper celebrated the end of the war in red headlines.

3. to praise widely or to present to widespread and favorable public notice, as through newspapers or novels.

   a novel celebrating the joys of marriage; the countryside celebrated in the novels of Hardy.

   Synonyms: commend, applaud, acclaim, hail, glorify, laud

4. to perform with appropriate rites and ceremonies; solemnize.

   to celebrate a marriage.

verb (used without object)

celebrated, celebrating 

1. to observe a day or commemorate an event with ceremonies or festivities.

2. to perform a religious ceremony, especially Mass or the Lord's Supper.

3. to have or participate in a party, drinking spree, or uninhibited good time.

   You look like you were up celebrating all night.

celebrate

/ ˈsɛlɪˌbreɪt /

verb

1. to rejoice in or have special festivities to mark (a happy day, event, etc)

2. (tr) to observe (a birthday, anniversary, etc)

   she celebrates her ninetieth birthday next month

3. (tr) to perform (a solemn or religious ceremony), esp to officiate at (Mass)

4. (tr) to praise publicly; proclaim

Other Word Forms

• celebrator noun
• celebrative adjective
• celebratory adjective
• celebration noun
• celebrater noun
• precelebrate verb
• recelebrate verb
• uncelebrating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of celebrate¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin celebrātus, past participle of celebrāre “to solemnize, celebrate, honor,” equivalent to celebr- (stem of celeber ) “often repeated, famous” + -ātus past participle suffix; -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of celebrate¹

C15: from Latin celebrāre, from celeber numerous, thronged, renowned

Example Sentences

Though locally celebrated for its proximity to a scenic railroad and the Hershey chocolate empire, the town’s identity was redefined in March 1979.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In Turkey when the Pope wanted to bring together different Christian traditions to celebrate a time when they had all been united, the Russian Orthodox Church did not send a representative.

Read more on BBC

Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring his first Premier League goal for Liverpool, the opener in their 2-0 win at West Ham United.

Read more on BBC

Derek is thankful he’s had his father at his side for four years of fun and excitement, and what a way to celebrate with a Southern Section championship and maybe even more.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The re-dedication of the well will be celebrated with musical concerts next weekend.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• honor 
• laud 
• observe 
• perform 
• praise 
• proclaim 
• revere