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

James Brolin had years of celibacy under his belt before marrying Barbra Streisand. Brolin, 83, made the revelation during his appearance alongside Streisand, 81, on CBS Mornings Monday, while Streisand spoke with Gayle King about her career and new memoir My Name Is Barbra. —Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 8 Nov. 2023

What to know about the Vatican meeting on the Catholic Church’s future Delegates described a civil, constructive atmosphere in recent weeks, but also disagreements, including on the role of women in the church and the question of priestly celibacy. —Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2023

The boy, a third-grader with a fondness for TikTok and video games, now faces decades of theological training, a lifetime of celibacy, and the grave responsibility of having to defend Mongolian Buddhism against Chinese pressure. —David Pierson, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2023

Many Vatican watchers consider the synod to be a defining moment of the Francis pontificate, since the official agenda includes hot-button issues such as the role of women in decision-making roles in the church, the acceptance of LGBTQ+ Catholics and celibacy for priests. —Nicole Winfield, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Sep. 2023

Russell Wilson and Ciara agree to practice celibacy Ciara opened up during an interview with Access about her decision to practice celibacy with Wilson during their relationship. —Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 21 July 2023

Additionally, Taylor also brought up the potential problems that come with Nicola’s celibacy. —Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 19 June 2023

Pope Francis says Church's thousand-year practice of celibacy may be changed. —Fox News Staff, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2023

Today, its center is held by a cluster of stars, whose celebrity has become increasingly mainstream. Gavin McInnes and members of his Proud Boys have made a name for themselves by proclaiming celibacy and planning and joining misogynist and white-supremacist rallies. —Ian Allen, The New Republic, 20 Apr. 2022

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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