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.

For a few fleeting days each year, India's often-shunned transgender community is welcomed and revered at a festival that is at once sacred ritual, celebration, and a refuge.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

Over the years, the festival has evolved into a celebration of the artistry of kite-making, although Clockshop still views it as a “joyful protest” that brings communities together on public lands, Yank said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

This was Front Royal's "block party", a neighbourhood celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

The first match, against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles, should have been a sold-out celebration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Melita did not want to miss one minute of the celebration.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

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