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
Word Forms
celibated past tense, celibates singular
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He has remained _____ since taking his vows.
Etymology
From Latin caelebs, "unmarried," reshaped in English on the pattern of celibacy.