• Celebrate

    Pronunciation

    • UK IPA: /ˈsÉ›l.ɪ.bɹeɪt/, /ˈsÉ›l.É™.bɹeɪt/

    Origin

    From Latin celebratus, pp. of celebrare ("frequent, go to in great numbers, celebrate, honor, praise"), from celeber ("frequented, populous").

    Full definition of celebrate

    Verb

    1. (transitive) To extol or honour in a solemn manner.to celebrate the name of the Most High
    2. (transitive) To honour by rites, by ceremonies of joy and respect, or by refraining from ordinary business; to observe duly; to keep.to celebrate a birthday
      • 1907, w, The Dust of Conflict Chapter 20, Hester Earle and Violet Wayne were moving about the aisle with bundles of wheat-ears and streamers of ivy, for the harvest thanksgiving was shortly to be celebrated, while the vicar stood waiting for their directions on the chancel steps with a great handful of crimson gladioli.
    3. (intransitive) To engage in joyful activity in appreciation of an event.I was promoted today at work—let’s celebrate!
      • 2012, May 5, Phil McNulty, Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool, As Di Matteo celebrated and captain John Terry raised the trophy for the fourth time, the Italian increased his claims to become the permanent successor to Andre Villas-Boas by landing a trophy.
    4. (transitive) To perform or participate in, as a sacrament or solemn rite; to solemnize; to perform with appropriate rites.to celebrate a marriage

    Usage notes

    In sense “to conduct ceremonies, to follow a custom”, generally used of festive occasions, such as Christmas and birthdays. For more solemn occasions, particularly certain religious holidays (“holy days”) and commemorations, the term observe is used instead, as in “This office will be closed in observance of Veterans Day.”

    Synonyms

    • (extol, honour (someone)) fete
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