# celebrate

/ˈsɛɫəˌbɹeɪt/ (US) · /sˈɛləbɹˌeɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/celebrate
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to have a party or event

verb · CEFR A2

to do something fun because it is a special day or something good happened.

For teachers: to mark a special day or event with social activities, festivities, or gifts.

- We are going to celebrate his graduation by having a big dinner with the whole family.
- The city plans to celebrate the centenary of its founding with a series of parades and public concerts throughout the summer.

Usage: Often used with 'by' to describe the activity, such as 'celebrate by going out'.

### 2. to praise or honour

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to praise someone or something publicly.

For teachers: to extol, honour, or publicise the merits of a person, work, or achievement.

- The book celebrates the lives of ordinary people living in the countryside.
- The exhibition celebrates the career of the avant-garde architect, highlighting her influence on modern urban planning.

Usage: Commonly used in the passive voice, as in 'a much-celebrated author'.

Teaching tip: In this context, it is more about recognition and respect than having a party.

### 3. to perform a religious rite

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to lead or take part in a formal religious ceremony.

For teachers: to perform or participate in a religious sacrament or solemn rite with the required ritual.

- The priest will celebrate the morning service at ten o'clock.
- The bishop travelled to the remote parish to celebrate the Eucharist and meet with the local congregation.

Usage: Often used transitively with 'Mass' or 'the Eucharist' as the object.

Teaching tip: This is a technical term for the actions of a priest or minister during a service.

## Examples

- We are going to celebrate your birthday tonight.
- The whole city gathered in the main square to celebrate the team's historic victory.
- While some prefer to celebrate milestones with grand public gestures, others find that a quiet evening with close family is a more meaningful way to honor the occasion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.