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

• 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

These figures became my family during my celibacy, and still feel that way. —Sarah Viren june 4, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025

Buddhist monks in China have traditionally been expected to take a vow of celibacy. —Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 28 July 2025

Sky News reported that the Thai government has now vowed to expand its investigation as concern about monks breaking celibacy vows has grown across the country. —Sean Neumann, People.com, 17 July 2025

Febos spoke with Life Kit about the surprising gifts of celibacy. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 16 July 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