celebratory

adjective

cel·​e·​bra·​to·​ry ˈse-lə-brə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce celebratory (audio)
ˌse-lə-ˈbrā-tə-rē
: of, relating to, expressing, or characterized by celebration
The tone of the article was celebratory.
Both band and audience seemed in celebratory moods, with massive cheers erupting when the lights went out …Emily Burnham
: used or intended for use in celebrating
We went for a celebratory drink after the game.
And you can even find meals that don't have any turkey at all; for many Westerners, Thanksgiving dinner is more about celebratory feasting than ironclad tradition, so chefs update their menus with everything from lobster with tomato-basil polenta to butternut squash lasagna.Colleen Dunn Bates
Also beginning in earnest is the crop of celebratory activities to mark the 250th anniversary of the quintessential college town.James Heflin

Examples of celebratory in a Sentence

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.
Sacramento resident Dimisha Rodgers said the chaotic and celebratory atmosphere of the train allowed for friendship between fans, a component of game culture. Ekasha Sikka, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 The fighters who found themselves in better positions were celebratory. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Limoncello flavor captures the essence of the celebratory Italian post-dinner drink, while the can accurately portrays how the Italian streets look. Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 The celebratory appearance came two days after the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs on June 13 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, scoring their first NBA title since 1973. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for celebratory

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of celebratory was in 1809

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Celebratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celebratory. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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