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

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026

Hulu wants some of that Traitors hype, but instead of getting celebrities to figure out who’s a Faithful or a Traitor, all their alliances and enemies are out in the open. —Josef Adalian, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026

Major news companies can purchase tables at the event and often invite celebrities and newsmakers to join them. —Sydney Topf, The Washington Examiner, 23 Apr. 2026

Cee Cee’s show biz outfits remain cheap looking, even as her celebrity and fortunes soar. —Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 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