cel·i·bate I. \ˈseləbə̇t\noun (-s) Etymology: Latin caelibatus, from caelib-, caelebs unmarried + -atus -ate; akin to Sanskrit kevala alone and to Gothic liban to live — more at live 1.: celibacy < the celibate of priests > 2.[celibate (II) ]: one who lives a single life (as a bachelor) II. adjective Etymology: Latin caelib-, caelebs + English -ate : of or relating to celibacy