Dictionary.com

celibacy

[ sel-uh-buh-see ]
/ ˈsɛl ə bə si /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR celibacy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

abstention from sexual relations.
abstention by vow from marriage: the celibacy of priests.
the state of being unmarried.

QUIZZES

TAKE THIS QUIZ IF A DAZZLING VOCABULARY IS YOUR DESIDERATUM!

Have the Words of the Day from October 19–25, 2020, made an indelible mark on your memory? Take the quiz to find out!
Question 1 of 7
What does “clement” mean?
having or claiming to have the power of seeing objects or actions beyond the range of natural vision.
mild or merciful in disposition or character; lenient; compassionate.
favorite; cherished.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of celibacy

1655–65; <Latin caelibā(tus) celibacy (caelib-, stem of caelebs single + -ātus-ate3) + -cy

OTHER WORDS FROM celibacy

cel·i·bat·ic [sel-uh-bat-ik], /ˌsɛl əˈbæt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby celibacy

celiac ganglion, celiac gland, celiac plexus, celiac plexus reflex, celiac trunk, celibacy, celibate, Céline, celio-, celiocentesis, celioenterotomy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to celibacy

chastity, virginity, abstention, continence, singleness, purity, virtue, frigidity, impotence, maidenhood

Example sentences from the Web for celibacy