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

Long before its official launch, Chinese consumers could buy Alo through cross-border e-commerce and resellers, while the brand’s celebrity-heavy marketing and social media presence had already built awareness. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026

For over a decade, the Lancasters were celebrity royalty, with millions tuning in every week to watch their reality show, Living with the Lancasters. — L.m. Chilton, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

Crafted by celebrity hair architect Tokyo Stylez, the texture spoke to a different time, a decade defined by big hair, otherwise known as the ’80s. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026

An InStyle editor taps a celebrity nail artist to round up 10 pretty colors worth bookmarking this season. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 25 Sep. 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