celebrity

noun

ce·​leb·​ri·​ty sə-ˈle-brə-tē 

plural celebrities

1

: the state of being celebrated : fame

The actress lived a life of celebrity.

2

: a famous or celebrated person

Many celebrities attended the awards ceremony.

Synonyms of celebrity

• star
• personality
• celeb

Examples of celebrity in a Sentence

The actress lived a life of celebrity.

There were many celebrities at the party.

Recent Examples on the Web

Two celebrities wore different yet equally striking iterations this week, illustrating just how much the model has evolved. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2026

Nader isn’t the only celebrity fan of this Charlotte Tilbury pick—Hailey Bieber, Amal Clooney, and Kate Moss all use this blurring and mattifying powder for a filter-like finish. — Christina Oehler, InStyle, 7 Nov. 2026

Below, revisit the moments your favorite celebrities repped one of fashion’s favorite designers. — Mahoro Seward, Vogue, 7 Nov. 2026

The trend toward treating it as a celebrity hobby or a passion project is symptomatic of the current wider social phobia of experts and intellectuals. — Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English celebrite "fame, renown," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French celebrité, borrowed from Latin celebritāt-, celebritās "busy or crowded conditions, reputation, fame," from celebr-, celeber "much used, frequented, widely known, famed" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at celebrate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing celebrity

• cult of celebrity
• local celebrity

Kids Definition

celebrity

noun

ce·​leb·​ri·​ty sə-ˈleb-rət-ē 

plural celebrities

1

: the state of being celebrated : fame

his short-lived celebrity

2

: a famous or celebrated person