celibacy

noun

cel·​i·​ba·​cy ˈse-lə-bə-sē 

1

: the state of not being married

2

a

: abstention from sexual intercourse

b

: abstention by vow from marriage

priestly celibacy

Synonyms

• abstinence
• chasteness
• chastity
• continence

Examples of celibacy in a Sentence

a widower who has maintained absolute celibacy since the death of his wife

Recent Examples on the Web

After witnessing that, Gregory made the decision to join the priesthood and took a vow of celibacy. —Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025

Ouellet defended priestly celibacy for the Latin Rite church and upheld the ban on women’s ordination but called for women to have a greater role in church governance. —Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025

The popular dating app Bumble is canceling an ad campaign that derides celibacy to promote its matchmaking service. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 14 May 2024

Pope Francis did not have any children given his vow of celibacy. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

celibate "state of not being married" (borrowed from Latin caelibātus, from caelebs "not having a spouse, unmarried" + -ātus -ate entry 2) + -acy — more at celibate entry 1

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

celibacy

noun

cel·​i·​ba·​cy ˈsel-ə-bə-sē 

: the state of not being married

especially : the state of one who has taken a vow not to marry