celebrant

noun

cel·​e·​brant ˈse-lə-brənt How to pronounce celebrant (audio)
Synonyms of celebrantnext
: one who celebrates
specifically : the priest officiating at the Eucharist

Examples of celebrant in a Sentence

The bishop will be the main celebrant. the celebrant of the service The celebrants lit their candles.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Russia, celebrants observe the holiday by taking part in the Eastern Orthodox tradition of baptizing themselves in cold lakes. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026 Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images In Estonia, abundance is taken literally: celebrants eat seven, nine, or 12 meals—all considered lucky numbers—to bring prosperity. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 31 Dec. 2025 The mood quickly became muted for some southern Arizona Jews following the Dec. 14 massacre at Australia’s Bondi Beach — where Hanukkah celebrants were targeted in a shooting that killed 15. Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 2025 Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists in Loveland says the yeast in raw bread dough can also cause gas and painful stomach bloat, and urged celebrants to watch their drinks. Christa Swanson, CBS News, 27 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for celebrant

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin celebrant-, celebrans, present participle of celebrāre "to throng, frequent, observe (an occasion, festivity), praise" — more at celebrate

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of celebrant was in 1624

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Celebrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celebrant. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

celebrant

noun
cel·​e·​brant ˈsel-ə-brənt How to pronounce celebrant (audio)
: a person who celebrates
especially : the priest who is celebrating Mass

More from Merriam-Webster on celebrant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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