adj
celibate
SEH-luh-buht
Celibate (adj) means not married, or abstaining from sexual activity. Example: “He has remained celibate since taking his vows.”
adj
1
Not married, or abstaining from sexual activity.
"He has remained celibate since taking his vows."
"She decided to stay celibate while focusing on her career."
noun
1
A person who abstains from marriage or sex, especially for religious reasons.
"The monastery was home to a small community of celibates."
How to use celibate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who is not married and/or not sexually active, by choice.
Common mistake
Don't confuse celibate with celebrate — they look similar but are unrelated in meaning.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- celibates
- Past tense
- celibated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He has remained _____ since taking his vows.
Etymology
From Latin caelebs, "unmarried," reshaped in English on the pattern of celibacy.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for celibate
See all rhymes for celibate →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of celibate?
"celibate" (adj) means not married, or abstaining from sexual activity.
What is another word for celibate?
Other words for "celibate" include continent, celibatist, abstinent.
What is the opposite of celibate?
Opposites of "celibate" include copulator, libertine, sexual partner, person.
What are the different meanings of celibate?
"celibate" has 2 main meanings: 1. Not married, or abstaining from sexual activity; 2. A person who abstains from marriage or sex, especially for religious reasons.
