celibacy

[ sel-uh-buh-see ]

noun

1. abstention from sexual relations.
2. abstention by vow from marriage:

   the celibacy of priests.

3. the state of being unmarried.

Other Words From

• cel·i·bat·ic [sel-, uh, -, bat, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of celibacy¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from Latin caelibā(tus) “celibacy” ( caelib-, stem of caelebs “single” + -ātus -ate ³ ) + -cy

Example Sentences

Traditionally, older folks worried that young people were too promiscuous; now perhaps we geezers should fret about youthful celibacy.

From Seattle Times

The new marketing campaign launched two weeks ago instead used billboards and other ads that targeted and shamed celibacy, resulting in a strong, negative response from users and women online.

From Salon

On Monday, the company backtracked and apologized for billboards that bore the message “You know full well a vow of celibacy is not the answer” juxtaposed against an introduction to “the new Bumble.”

From Seattle Times

The loud and malapropism-prone Archie also touched on subjects such as atheism, the virtues of premarital celibacy, the breakdown of law and order, long hair on boys and short skirts on girls.

From Los Angeles Times

Each paragraph passed with the necessary two-thirds majority, but the ones involving women and priestly celibacy obtained the most “no” votes.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• chastity