verb (used with object),cel·e·brat·ed,cel·e·brat·ing.
to observe (a day) or commemorate (an event) with ceremonies or festivities: to celebrate Christmas; to celebrate the success of a new play.
to make known publicly; proclaim: The newspaper celebrated the end of the war in red headlines.
to praise widely or to present to widespread and favorable public notice, as through newspapers or novels: a novel celebrating the joys of marriage; the countryside celebrated in the novels of Hardy.
to perform with appropriate rites and ceremonies; solemnize: to celebrate a marriage.
verb (used without object),cel·e·brat·ed,cel·e·brat·ing.
to observe a day or commemorate an event with ceremonies or festivities.
to perform a religious ceremony, especially Mass or the Lord's Supper.
to have or participate in a party, drinking spree, or uninhibited good time: You look like you were up celebrating all night.
Origin of celebrate
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin celebrātus, past participle of celebrāre “to solemnize, celebrate, honor,” equivalent to celebr- (stem of celeber ) “often repeated, famous” + -ātus past participle suffix; see -ate1
SYNONYMS FOR celebrate
1 honor, solemnize.
3 laud, glorify, honor, applaud, commend.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR celebrate ON THESAURUS.COM
OTHER WORDS FROM celebrate
cel·e·bra·tive,adjectivecel·e·bra·tor,cel·e·brat·er,nouncel·e·bra·to·ry[sel-uh-bruh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, suh-leb-ruh-], /ˈsɛl ə brəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, səˈlɛb rə-/, adjectivepre·cel·e·brate,verb,pre·cel·e·brat·ed,pre·cel·e·brat·ing.
The family visited the club in April to celebrate Passover, a period that overlaps with several of the largest Secret Service charges.
Trump’s businesses charged Secret Service more than $1.1 million, including for rooms in club shuttered for pandemic|David Fahrenthold, Josh Dawsey|September 17, 2020|Washington Post
As the pandemic stretches into the North American autumn, some are determined to not let it ruin Halloween—even though celebrating the holiday might come with risk.
Zoom parties, throwing candy: How Halloween might happen during Covid-19|Alexandra Ossola|September 17, 2020|Quartz
Bernard Tyson, the celebrated former CEO of Kaiser Permanente who passed this past November, was one of the most influential health care leaders of his generation.
Bernard Tyson’s profound impact continues even after his death—through a new social investment fund|cleaf2013|September 16, 2020|Fortune
The Capital Pride Alliance is hosting its first completely virtual Pride Stride, a nationwide event to celebrate National Coming Out Day.
D.C. fall calendar filled with virtual events|Steph Purifoy|September 16, 2020|Washington Blade
To celebrate LGBT History Month, HBO Max is releasing the four-part docuseries “Equal.”
Fall TV season brings handful of queer shows|Brian T. Carney|September 16, 2020|Washington Blade
Rashad was there to celebrate the release of the Civil Rights drama Selma.
Phylicia Rashad and the Cult of Cosby Truthers|Stereo Williams|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
That would truly be a milestone to celebrate—until you see what that record “diversity” actually means.
The Unbearable Whiteness of Congress|Dean Obeidallah|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
He was told he could go back home to his house arrest to celebrate the New Year with his wife and their two children.
Russia’s Rebel In Chief Escapes House Arrest|Anna Nemtsova|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To celebrate the year, here are the top 10 anti-science salvos of 2014.
2014: Revenge of the Creationists|Karl W. Giberson|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Divided and drained by war, Syrian Christians are determined to celebrate for the first time in four years.
In One Corner of Syria, Christmas Spirit Somehow Manages to Survive|Peter Schwartzstein|December 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Men of wit and learning employ themselves to celebrate his talents, and to express their approbation of his writings.
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 13, Issue 350, January 3, 1829|Various
Whatever is good for a harvest home celebration may be used to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Special Days and their Observance|Anonymous
Let Mr. Morse immediately take the house and issue invitations for a great ball to celebrate Miss Juanita's engagement.
The City in the Clouds|C. Ranger Gull
Perhaps Hephaistion drank out of it, or Nearchus, to celebrate his return from India.
The Best Short Stories of 1917|Various
Then they celebrate their victory by some sort of jollification that lasts half the night.
Certain Success|Norval A. Hawkins
British Dictionary definitions for celebrate
celebrate
/ (ˈsɛlɪˌbreɪt) /
verb
to rejoice in or have special festivities to mark (a happy day, event, etc)
(tr)to observe (a birthday, anniversary, etc)she celebrates her ninetieth birthday next month
(tr)to perform (a solemn or religious ceremony), esp to officiate at (Mass)