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 of celibacy

• purity
• chastity
• abstinence

Examples of celibacy in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Omarion has been very open about his intense celibacy experience in the past, previously discussing it last summer during a sit-down with the Know Thyself podcast. —Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025

Altogether, the shift toward celibacy was high among the young Black dating community, with 43 percent of all Black Gen Z daters practicing celibacy, the dating site found. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

This assertion that Mary was a child of a well-to-do family might have some historical validity since this text was composed at a time when the poverty and celibacy of the Holy Family had become associated with her nunlike virtue. —Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025

Sheen is one of a number of celebrities who have been open about going through periods of celibacy. —Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 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