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

The announcement indicates Caldwell’s departure from the same role at Marcus Bar & Grille, the Old Fourth Ward restaurant owned by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. — Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 3 Oct. 2026

For this new chapter in Britain, the son of King Charles III and his family have made their home in the Cotswolds, an idyllic region west of London that is popular with celebrities and the otherwise well-to-do. — Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 3 Oct. 2026

The shoes have been a popular choice among celebrities with stars like Daisy-Edgar Jones, Emily Blunt, Charlize Theron and Sarah Pidgeon, among other stars wearing the heels as of late. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

At the Whanot Liveplex, shoppers and fans can expect specialty shops, an arcade, exclusive product drops, and live programming from sellers, creators, and celebrity guests. — Angel Diaz, Billboard, 2 Oct. 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