celibate

[ sel-uh-bit, -beyt ]

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

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈcelibacy, noun

Other Words From

• non·celi·bate adjective
• un·celi·bate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of celibate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of celibate¹

C17: from Latin caelibātus, from caelebs unmarried, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

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

Young has publicly identified himself as an “incel,” a portmanteau of “involuntary celibates,” an online community of men who express their frustration at women because they don’t feel like they’re sexually attractive to them.

From Los Angeles Times

Vance, 39, married a decade ago and isn't an incel, which is internet slang for a subclass of misogynists who identify as "involuntarily celibate."

From Salon

When asked at the Italian Bishops’ Conference if gay men should now be allowed to train for the priesthood as long as they remained celibate, Pope Francis said they should not.

From BBC

His attacks inspired people online who identified as being " involuntarily celibate" - or incels.

From BBC

Related Words

• chaste