verb

celebrate

SEHL-ih-brayt

verb

To mark a special event or achievement with enjoyment, often through some kind of gathering or ritual.

"They celebrated their anniversary with a trip to Paris."

"The whole town celebrated when the team won the championship."

To honour someone or something publicly, often through a formal or ceremonial act.

"The priest celebrated Mass every Sunday morning."

How to Use Celebrate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo mark a happy or important occasion, usually by doing something enjoyable together.

Common pairings

celebrate a birthday celebrate with friends cause for celebration

Word Forms

celebrated past tense, celebrate plural, celebrated plural, celebrates singular, celebrate singular, celebrated singular, celebratest singular, celebratedst singular, celebrateth singular

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They _____ their anniversary with a trip to Paris.

Etymology

From Latin celebrāre ("to frequent, honour, or praise"), from celeber ("crowded, famous"). It replaced the native Old English word fæġnian.

Rhymes for celebrate

ate date rate mate fate gate hate pate late Nate Kate cate

See all rhymes for celebrate →