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

Food and drink The open-fire restaurant, Ambos, is led by Argentine chef Norberto Piattoni, an alum of celebrity grillmaster Francis Mallmann. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026

The brand is popular with Royalty and a raft of celebrities, but has also become a coveted brand for many shoppers awaiting each of the brand’s release dates. — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

The past five years under celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have transformed Wrexham’s fortunes, the north Wales club having soared from non-League to the Championship via three consecutive promotions. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

This next generation of talent provides an in for luxury brands who are keen to generate loyalty and sales, not just celebrity fervor, through their Korean brand ambassadors. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 12 Aug. 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