celibate

American  

[sel-uh-bit, -beyt] / ˈsɛl ə bɪt, -ˌbeɪt /

noun

1. a person who abstains from sexual relations.

2. a person who remains unmarried, especially for religious reasons.

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adjective

1. observing or pertaining to sexual abstention or a religious vow not to marry.

2. not married.

celibate British  

/ ˈsɛlɪbɪt /

noun

1. a person who is unmarried, esp one who has taken a religious vow of chastity

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adjective

1. unmarried, esp by vow

2. abstaining from sexual intercourse

Other Word Forms

• celibacy noun
• noncelibate adjective
• uncelibate adjective

Etymology

Origin of celibate

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin caelib- (stem of caelebs ) “unmarried” + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Ultimately, Sam decided to be celibate and invest in their fantasy life with their partner.

From Slate • Sep. 25, 2025

I decided to spend some time celibate, to abstain not only from sex but also all the attendant activities, including dating and even flirting.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 8, 2024

Nienstedt has consistently denied all misconduct allegations leveled against him, insisting that he has remained celibate, and said that he welcomed the investigation.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 5, 2024

The Catholic church requires that all clerics remain celibate - which is to abstain from sexual relations and marriage.

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2022

Dealing with averages, it is the bare truth to say that no celibate life approaches such a life in point of usefulness, no matter what the motive for the celibacy—religious, philanthropic, political, or professional.

From A Book-Lover's Holidays in the Open by Roosevelt, Theodore

Related Words

• chaste