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)”; 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.

In other words, the market’s celebration may still prove premature.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

D’Entremont said Carney started the hourlong conversation talking about efforts to encourage the celebration of National Acadian Day, which is meant to commemorate the French settlers in Atlantic Canada.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

This time the celebration wasn't as muted as he raised his arm aloft, club still in hand, as the crowd went into raptures.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

But the Vatican nevertheless was spooked enough that Leo opted against returning to his home country for the America 250 celebration this summer.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

I’ve always loved Mardi Gras, and for the first time, I know why: I’ve never seen such a celebration of life like this one.

From "King and the Dragonflies" by Kacen Callender

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