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

• cause célèbre
• cause celebre
• celeb
• figure
• icon
• ikon
• light
• luminary
• megastar
• name
• notability
• notable
• notoriety
• personage
• personality
• somebody
• standout
• star
• superstar
• VIP

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

Other celebrities who have voiced support of Harris since Sunday include singer Demi Lovato, who posted a photo of herself and Harris. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 July 2024

Other celebrities have either come out against the singer or come to his defense. —Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2024

Like other top-performing celebrity brands, including Millie Bobbi Brown’s Florence by Mills, Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty and Ariana Grande’s R.e.m. —Noor Lobad, WWD, 23 July 2024

And everyone is doing it, including your favorite LGBTQ+ artists, athletes, musicians and celebrities. —Ana Osorno, Them, 23 July 2024

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