celebratory

[ sel-uh-bruh-tawr-ee ]

adjective

1. relating to or being the commemoration of an event with ceremonies or festivities:

   The month of December features several celebratory occasions for our family—both our parents’ birthdays, their wedding anniversary, and Christmas.

2. expressing praise:

   His new single, recorded last month, is a celebratory ode to family and life on the land.

3. of or relating to a party, drinking spree, or uninhibited good time:

   The New Year was underway at the ski resort even before the celebratory hangovers from last night's party had faded away.

Word History and Origins

Origin of celebratory¹

celebrat(e) ( def ) + -ory ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Nadal, with his blistering left-handed forehand and fiery celebratory roars, ended his Swiss opponent's five-year winning streak at Wimbledon in the 2008 final - regarded by many as the greatest match of all time.

From BBC

"It was a way for people to just be positive and celebratory about each other, which is what we need when everyone is so nasty and negative on social media."

From BBC

“We are so looking forward to working with him to deliver a fresh, exciting and celebratory show for Hollywood’s biggest night.”

From Los Angeles Times

He goes on to call himself a petite prince and a tiny titan, and such celebratory self-awareness is winning.

From Salon

The Chargers’ $262-million man is so valuable that Harbaugh has banned him from giving high-fives or celebratory helmet taps with his throwing hand.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• elated
• exultant
• glorious
• happy
• jubilant
• proud
• triumphal
• victorious