celebration

American

[sel-uh-brey-shuhn] / ˌsɛl əˈbreɪ ʃən /

noun

the act of celebrating.

We want to do something special in celebration of Amy’s great new job.
a party or other festive event for celebrating something.

Don’t you think the birthday celebrations for preschoolers in this neighborhood are a bit over the top?

Other Word Forms

intercelebration noun
noncelebration noun
precelebration noun
recelebration noun

Etymology

Origin of celebration

First recorded in 1480–90; from Latin celebrātiōn- (stem of celebrātiō ) “large gathering, widespread use, celebration (of a festival)”; see celebrate, -ion

Explanation

A celebration is a joyful diversion. Your math class might have a celebration when you learn that the midterm has been postponed for a week. A celebration can be a festive party commemorating some joyous occasion, like your grandparents' fiftieth anniversary celebration or your brother's birthday celebration. It can also be a less formal marking of a happy event, like the arrival of your new puppy. Another meaning of celebration is a religious ceremony, such as communion or a bar mitzvah.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing celebration

Party Parlance for Mardi Gras

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Passover Vocabulary

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List 4

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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.

Scoring a goal at Wembley and not having a memorable celebration isn't really an option if you're a content creator.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

All of that was cause for celebration in Budapest and around the world, and fair enough.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

As the ceremony wore on, the room was as charged with celebration as it was with resistance.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Quantum stocks posted outsized gains this week as the technology took center stage during an annual celebration of industry progress.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

There would be no historical single slide across the river, no amazing story to tell, and no impromptu celebration complete with blackberry Snow Delights.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023