celebrate
verb (used with object)
to observe (a day) or commemorate (an event) with ceremonies or festivities.
was celebrating
-
past progressiveof celebrate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
This summer I read in the Indianola, Iowa, Independent Advocate that the town’s A&W store was celebrating its 70th anniversary.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
It was a feast day and everyone was celebrating, but M's daughter stayed in her room crying.
From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026
He was celebrating Monday after his two sons, Davis and Parker, coached the 18U club team to the AAU Open Junior National Championship in Orlando, Fla.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2026
While New York City was celebrating one of the most improbable wins in history, many others woke up Thursday morning to find that they had missed the game of a lifetime.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 2026
I always felt the whole country was celebrating my birthday.
From "Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution" by Ji-li Jiang
