celebration
/sɛlɪˈbreɪʃ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun]
1The action of celebrating an important day or event: the birth of his son was a cause for celebration...
- It seems the smaller the town the bigger the pride and the more the events of celebration.
- It's the final morning and so in celebration we order the full Irish Breakfast from the comfort of our bed.
- We were simply there to paint the town red by way of celebration for Stuart's birthday.
Synonyms
commemoration, observance, honouring, salute to, marking, keeping
1.1 [count noun] A social gathering or enjoyable activity held to celebrate something: a birthday celebration...
- There will be no birthday parties or celebrations, except perhaps with some close friends.
- We know what 18th birthday celebrations are like, whether on the town or in houses.
- We decided to visit York to join in the celebrations for the Guy Fawkes Festival and to do some shopping.
Synonyms
jollification, merrymaking, carousing, carousal, revelry, revels, enjoying oneself, partying, parties, festivity, festivities;
roistering, debauchery, frolics
informal junketing
party, function, gathering, event, affair, occasion, festivities, festival, fete, carnival, gala, jamboree;
West Indian jump-up;
Jewish simcha
informal do, bash, get-together, blowout, rave
British informal rave-up, thrash, knees-up, jolly, beanfeast, bunfight, beano
South African informal jol
Origin
Early 16th century: from Latin celebratio(n-), from the verb celebrare (see celebrate).