celebratory

American  

[sel-uh-bruh-tawr-ee] / ˈsɛl ə brəˌtɔr i /

adjective

1. relating to or being the commemoration of an event with ceremonies or festivities.

   The month of December features several celebratory occasions for our family—both our parents’ birthdays, their wedding anniversary, and Christmas.

2. expressing praise.

   His new single, recorded last month, is a celebratory ode to family and life on the land.

3. of or relating to a party, drinking spree, or uninhibited good time.

   The New Year was underway at the ski resort even before the celebratory hangovers from last night's party had faded away.

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Etymology

Origin of celebratory

celebrat(e) ( def. ) + -ory ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

A plate with five shades of something feels generous, even celebratory.

From Salon

For these few weeks, competition replaces conflict, and cheering for your country becomes something celebratory rather than controversial.

From The Wall Street Journal

Not only aren’t people in a celebratory mood about the markets, they are downright sour on the future.

From Salon

After a suit-and-tie celebration, which neither seems too celebratory about, Shane leaves his hotel room in a huff and escapes to the hotel gym for a late night stationary bike ride.

From Salon

Aunt Melissa insists on cooking a celebratory my-brother-is-no-longer.unemployed dinner for Dad.

From Literature

Related Words

• elated
• exultant
• glorious
• happy
• jubilant
• proud
• triumphal
• victorious