celebrate

[ sel-uh-breyt ]

verb (used with object)

, cel·e·brat·ed, cel·e·brat·ing.

1. to observe (a day) or commemorate (an event) with ceremonies or festivities:

   to celebrate Christmas; to celebrate the success of a new play.

   Synonyms: solemnize, commemorate

2. to make known publicly; proclaim:

   The newspaper celebrated the end of the war in red headlines.

3. to praise widely or to present to widespread and favorable public notice, as through newspapers or novels:

   a novel celebrating the joys of marriage; the countryside celebrated in the novels of Hardy.

   Synonyms: commend, applaud, acclaim, hail, glorify, laud

4. to perform with appropriate rites and ceremonies; solemnize:

   to celebrate a marriage.

verb (used without object)

, cel·e·brat·ed, cel·e·brat·ing.

1. to observe a day or commemorate an event with ceremonies or festivities.
2. to perform a religious ceremony, especially Mass or the Lord's Supper.
3. to have or participate in a party, drinking spree, or uninhibited good time:

   You look like you were up celebrating all night.

celebrate

/ ˈsɛlɪˌbreɪt /

verb

1. to rejoice in or have special festivities to mark (a happy day, event, etc)
2. tr to observe (a birthday, anniversary, etc)

   she celebrates her ninetieth birthday next month

3. tr to perform (a solemn or religious ceremony), esp to officiate at (Mass)
4. tr to praise publicly; proclaim

Derived Forms

• ˈceleˌbrator, noun
• ˈcelebrative, adjective
• ˈceleˌbratory, adjective
• ˌceleˈbration, noun

Other Words From

• cel·e·bra·tive adjective
• cel·e·bra·tor cel·e·brat·er noun
• cel·e·bra·to·ry [sel, -, uh, -br, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective
• pre·cel·e·brate verb precelebrated precelebrating
• re·cel·e·brate verb recelebrated recelebrating
• un·cel·e·brat·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of celebrate¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin celebrātus, past participle of celebrāre “to solemnize, celebrate, honor,” equivalent to celebr- (stem of celeber ) “often repeated, famous” + -ātus past participle suffix; -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of celebrate¹

C15: from Latin celebrāre, from celeber numerous, thronged, renowned

Example Sentences

Programs like the GI Bill, celebrated as America’s first “color-blind” policy, ostensibly extended benefits to all veterans.

From Salon

From a distance, I sensed troubles and triumphs, saw relationships come and go, celebrated children being born.

From New York Times

He also recognises that Ethiopians celebrate Christmas but says that in 1984 "ceremonies were abandoned".

From BBC

“Decorating your home for Thanksgiving is all about creating a warm, inviting, and festive atmosphere that celebrates gratitude and the season's bounty,” the chatbot said.

From Salon

He spoke of his surprise - and delight - when the players arrived at his home to celebrate after clinching top-flight promotion, describing it as "probably the best present I got last season".

From BBC

Related Words

• honor
• laud
• observe
• perform
• praise
• proclaim
• revere