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

There was a lineup of celebrities and stars who graced these halls, with a guest ledger that features Clark Gable and Bette Davis. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Sep. 2026

On Wednesday night, the Miami Heat’s newest star hit up celebrity hotspot Gekko in Brickell for a dinner to officially mark his arrival. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026

With The Morning Show, there’s so many celebrities in that show. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026

Brian Malarkey is a Food Network celebrity chef, restaurateur, and two-time Top Chef finalist. — Brian Malarkey, Fortune, 19 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