celebrate

American  

[sel-uh-breyt] / ˈsɛl əˌbreɪt /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of celebrate

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

Explanation

To celebrate means to mark a special day, event, or holiday. You might celebrate a birthday, a religious holiday, or even the anniversary of a famous battle. Use celebrate for festive, happy occasions. If the special day, event, or holiday is more solemn or introspective, a verb like observe is often used. After we observe Memorial Day, we look forward to celebrating the Fourth of July. The verb can also mean to honor or praise — "The book celebrated the life of the actress who had given so much to worthy causes."

Example Sentences

The Foreign Office says this trip will mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, and will celebrate a partnership of "shared prosperity, security and history".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

In the afternoon, Leo will celebrate Mass at the hilltop Basilica of Saint Augustine in the presence of clergy from across Africa.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Catalans have been erecting human towers—castells—to celebrate local festivities since the 18th century.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

“That’s why I decided I’m gonna celebrate the songs that opened the door for me. It was a way for me to honor what all the different artists did for me to be there.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Every year Mom, Dad, Thomas, and I would celebrate Fig’s birthday with a specially made cake from Heavenly Treats Bakery, while watching the video Dad had recorded of Fig’s homecoming six years ago.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

Related Words

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