celibate
noun
a person who abstains from sexual relations.
celibates
-
pluralof celibate.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Rodger belonged to a growing online community of men who identify as involuntary celibates, or “incels”.
From The Guardian ● Oct. 19, 2020
They also cannot remarry if their wives die, and must spend the rest of their priestly lives as celibates.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 14, 2020
Unlike Islamic State jihadists and white supremacists, incels — short for involuntary celibates — are not, as a group, preaching hatred by promising a path to redemption or salvation through violence.
From New York Times ● Aug. 9, 2019
To some extent it’s not difficult to understand the allure—after all, there aren’t many celibates or absolute monarchs left, let alone one who can claim the allegiance of a billion people.
From Slate ● Mar. 12, 2014
The followers of Caitanya at the present day are said to be divided into Gosains, or ecclesiastics, who are the descendants of the founder's original disciples, the Vrikats or celibates, and the laity.
From Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 2 by Sir Charles Eliot
