celebrate
verb
cel·e·brate
ˈse-lə-ˌbrāt 
celebrated; celebrating
1
a
: to recognize a notable event (as a birthday or anniversary) by doing something special or enjoyable
celebrate a victory
celebrated her achievement
celebrated their 25th anniversary by going out to dinner
b
: to honor (an occasion, as a holiday) especially with ceremonies or by stopping ordinary business
The nation celebrates Memorial Day.
If you celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanza, designate one night to share the light.—
Carrie Knowles
Carrie Knowles2
: to say or show publicly that (someone or something) is great or important
a poem that celebrates the glory of nature
She is celebrated for her contributions to modern science.
Other elements of the culture, from spiritual practices to natural crafts, maintain and celebrate ties to west Africa.—Dasia Moore
Dasia Moore3
somewhat formal
: to perform (a sacrament or solemn ceremony) publicly and with appropriate rites
A priest celebrates Mass.
1
: to recognize a notable event by doing something special or enjoyable
decided the only way to celebrate was to have a party
… but they have more reasons to fear than to celebrate.—Fortune
FortuneSpring is here, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than with a leisurely brunch.—Lane S. Crowther
Lane S. Crowther2
: to observe a holiday, perform a religious ceremony, or take part in a festival
The holiday revelers celebrated all day long.
Examples of celebrate in a Sentence
We are celebrating my birthday by going out to dinner.
The family gathered to celebrate Christmas.
We are celebrating our anniversary next week.
They are celebrating the birth of their third child.
The book celebrates the movies of the past.
Her lecture celebrated the genius of the artist.
He is celebrated for his contributions to modern science.
A priest celebrates Mass at the church daily.
Recent Examples on the Web
Though many highlights celebrated the NBA’s golden chapters, the auction that closed Thursday also featured remarkable items from other sports.
—Denny Alfonso, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
In December 2024, Frankie celebrated her fifth birthday.
—Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025
This reflects the original pre-rabbinic core of the holiday, which was declared by the new Hasmonean dynasty to celebrate its triumph.
—Joshua Shanes, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025
Junior Orange Bowl Parade This year’s Junior Orange Bowl Parade celebrates a tradition begun 77 years ago in 1948.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celebrate
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.
Denny Alfonso, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
In December 2024, Frankie celebrated her fifth birthday.
—Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025
This reflects the original pre-rabbinic core of the holiday, which was declared by the new Hasmonean dynasty to celebrate its triumph.
—Joshua Shanes, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025
Junior Orange Bowl Parade This year’s Junior Orange Bowl Parade celebrates a tradition begun 77 years ago in 1948.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celebrate
Cite this Entry
“Celebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celebrate. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
celebrate
verb
cel·e·brate
ˈsel-ə-ˌbrāt
celebrated; celebrating
1
: to perform publicly and according to certain rules
celebrate Mass
2
: to observe in some special way (as by merrymaking or by staying away from work)
celebrate a birthday
celebrate Memorial Day
3
: to praise or make known publicly
her poetry celebrates the beauty of nature
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share