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; see -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

On Saturday, the White House Correspondents’ Assn. gala, to celebrate the 1st Amendment, was interrupted when a gunman sprinted past security at the Washington Hilton, where the event was being held.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

It was an era in sports somewhat less contentious, more inclined to celebrate its history and its moments and less inclined to look for more.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

Hollywood’s bet that audiences want to celebrate Michael Jackson paid off this weekend, as a biopic about the pop star opened to an estimated $217.4 million in worldwide sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

“As we celebrate National Library Week, we reaffirm that libraries are places for knowledge, for access, and for all.”

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

“I hated how sad Mom was over you. Losing you devastated her. She couldn’t celebrate my birthday without getting upset.”

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

Related Words

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