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

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

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

It’s celebrated by members of the Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths.

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The actor reappears, pointing to another short video of what appears to be couples holding oversized checks and celebrating.

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Under Sean Ono Lennon’s direction, these collections have proven, time and time again, to be the cream of the crop when it comes to celebrating the post-Beatles legacy.

Read more on Salon

The event, which has been happening in one form or another since the early 1990s, features tours, lectures, themed get-togethers and a craft fair, celebrating both the famous homes and the everyday ones.

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The new “Team Barbie” campaign is to celebrate International Day of the Girl, which is Oct.

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Related Words

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