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

Despite losing some celebrity sparkle, the event continued as scheduled. — CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Fauci’s diary provides no less than a confessional by a Big Player who is reveling in his unchecked powers and celebrity status. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 29 July 2026

Fauci repeatedly described brushing elbows with celebrities and public figures, including Barbara Streisand and Julia Roberts. — Sony Salzman, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Beauty is now a $667 billion global business, and investors who pulled back after 2021 are re-entering, drawn by brands promising fast, funded growth, coupled with celebrity endorsements or co-founders. — Esha Chhabra, Forbes.com, 29 July 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