celebration
Americannoun
-
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.
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.
While British officials say that the king’s visit is a celebration of trans-Atlantic ties and 250 years of U.S. independence, the monarch’s arrival is also a vital diplomatic play for Britain.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
Suddenly, what was meant to be an evening of celebration devolved into chaos.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026
The comedian’s show this weekend at the Ace also doubles as a special celebration of the release of her new album ‘Drawn’ from her HBO special of the same name.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026
Capital Pride London's website promises "a powerful demonstration and a joyful celebration for all" and welcomes donations from members of the public.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
She felt like kicking up her heels in celebration.
From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
