celebrity

noun

ce·​leb·​ri·​ty sə-ˈle-brə-tē How to pronounce celebrity (audio)
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.

Example Sentences

The actress lived a life of celebrity. There were many celebrities at the party.
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These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'celebrity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of celebrity was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near celebrity

Cite this Entry

“Celebrity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celebrity. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

celebrity

noun
ce·​leb·​ri·​ty sə-ˈleb-rət-ē How to pronounce celebrity (audio)
plural celebrities
1
: the state of being celebrated : fame
his short-lived celebrity
2
: a famous or celebrated person

More from Merriam-Webster on celebrity

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