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.

---

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

---

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

This was described by appeal judges as a belief held by celibate men who are angered by the sexual activities of others and "particularly women."

From BBC • Feb. 14, 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

When it is all one to you whether you have a wife or husband, or whether you are celibate, then you are free from concupiscence.

From The Story of Anna Kingsford and Edward Maitland and of the new Gospel of Interpretation by Maitland, Edward

Related Words

• chaste