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

With his remarks, Maher joins a list of celebrities including Florence Pugh, Mariska Hargitay, Hudson Williams, Josh Gad and more who have used their platforms to condemn the case in recent weeks. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Southern food may have a reputation for being heavy and unhealthy, but celebrity chef Tiffany Derry says that stereotype misses a big part of what's traditionally been served on tables across the South. — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

His astute stand-up and withering, spot-on insights into race, relationships and celebrity have influenced countless comedians and writers. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026

What started as a niche joke online a couple of years ago has now become embedded into pop culture as celebrities like Rachel Zegler and Charli XCX posted in appreciation of Bald Ann Dowd. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 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