celebration

[ sel-uh-brey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of celebrating:

   We want to do something special in celebration of Amy’s great new job.

2. 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 Words From

• in·ter·cel·e·bra·tion noun
• non·cel·e·bra·tion noun
• pre·cel·e·bra·tion noun
• re·cel·e·bra·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of celebration¹

First recorded in 1480–90; from Latin celebrātiōn- (stem of celebrātiō ) “large gathering, widespread use, celebration (of a festival)”; celebrate, -ion

Example Sentences

James hit back-to-back threes in the fourth quarter — punctuating the second with his signature “silencer” celebration — as he stomped his feet in glee.

From Los Angeles Times

The English vocal powerhouse Yola spells out her pleasure principle on “Symphony,” a funky, upbeat celebration of sensuality that will appear on her forthcoming EP, “My Way.”

From New York Times

Adu adapted “Young Lion” from a letter she wrote to Izaak on his 21st birthday, not long after he transitioned, and it is both an acknowledgment of his pain and a celebration of his resilience.

From New York Times

“He is the perfect person to help lead our global celebration of film with his brilliant humor, his love of movies and his live TV expertise.”

From Los Angeles Times

In its place is a ride that serves as a celebration, boasting a statement about the communal power of music and a narrative that serves as an American success story.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anniversary
• bash
• birthday
• ceremony
• festival
• festivity
• gala
• jubilee
• observance
• party
• performance
• spree
• triumph