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
Others have celebrated him for his giveaways to locals.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 31 Oct. 2025
This isn’t the first time the proud father has celebrated Sophie and her work ethic.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Martin’s co-star Selena Gomez celebrated the news with a post on Instagram featuring a photo of her with Martin and Martin Short.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
Having kidnapped a rich kid (and killed some guards in the process), Ciri celebrates by snorting her first line of fisstech.
—Scott Meslow, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celebrate
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Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 31 Oct. 2025
This isn’t the first time the proud father has celebrated Sophie and her work ethic.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Martin’s co-star Selena Gomez celebrated the news with a post on Instagram featuring a photo of her with Martin and Martin Short.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
Having kidnapped a rich kid (and killed some guards in the process), Ciri celebrates by snorting her first line of fisstech.
—Scott Meslow, Vulture, 30 Oct. 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 6 Nov. 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
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