celebrant

American  

[sel-uh-bruhnt] / ˈsɛl ə brənt /

noun

1. a participant in any celebration.

2. the officiating priest in the celebration of the Eucharist.

3. a participant in a public religious rite.

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celebrant British  

/ ˈsɛlɪbrənt /

noun

1. a person participating in a religious ceremony

2. Christianity an officiating priest, esp at the Eucharist

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Other Word Forms

• precelebrant noun

Etymology

Origin of celebrant

1830–40; < Latin celebrant- (stem of celebrāns present participle of celebrāre to solemnize, celebrate), equivalent to celebr- ( celebrate ) + -ant- -ant

Example Sentences

I recall a Mass during the Reagan years in which the celebrant told the congregation at great length that nuclear war would be a Very Bad Thing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

Straight offers their grief and work much as a celebrant holds up a sacrifice, for all to see and contemplate.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2025

A celebrant appeared to conduct the marriage ceremony and, while the surprised guests regathered their wits, Sinead and Michael did a quick costume change.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2025

"We actually just seen the tractor coming up to the gate and we were like 'oh there's a tractor' and then the celebrant was at the door."

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2023

It had taken place every January third since 1920, although Shadrack, its founder, was for many years the only celebrant.

From "Sula" by Toni Morrison