celebrity

[suh-leb-ri-tee]

noun

plural

celebrities 

1. a famous or well-known person.

2. fame; renown.

   Synonyms: stardom, eminence, note, distinction

celebrity

/ sɪˈlɛbrɪtɪ /

noun

1. a famous person

   a show-business celebrity

2. fame or notoriety

Other Word Forms

• noncelebrity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of celebrity¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin celebritās multitude, fame, festal celebration, equivalent to celebr- (stem of celeber ) often repeated, famous + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

They found themselves in the rare position of meeting a genuine chess celebrity, while also being manhandled by him on the board.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“The Life of a Showgirl” looks forward to a happy relationship and bright future, though the old Taylor, the one who holds grudges and resents the celebrity machine, lingers.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“Wi$h Li$t” is a dream of a simple, quiet life with a partner, something that is probably out of reach for a celebrity of Ms. Swift’s stature.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Lily and Annabel shared their names with Johnson’s biological daughters, while Angelina and Orlando were a nod to the kind of celebrities she sometimes rubbed shoulders with at charity galas.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

And like other celebrities, he’s also sparked conspiracy theories, including one that he doesn’t exist.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• figure 
• hero 
• luminary 
• personage 
• personality 
• someone 
• star 
• superstar