What does "celebrating" mean?

1. (having a party or event) doing something fun to mark a special day or achievement. 2. (praising or honouring) showing that you admire or respect someone or something publicly. 3. (the act of celebration) the activity of having a party or special event.

How do you use "celebrating"?

Often used with 'by' to describe the specific activity.

celebrating

v. · n.

US //ˈsɛɫəˌbɹeɪtɪŋ// UK //sˈɛləbɹˌeɪtɪŋ// cel·e·brat·ing

1 having a party or event (v.)
A2 Elementary

doing something fun to mark a special day or achievement.

performing festivities or social activities to mark a specific occasion or milestone.

Example

We are celebrating my brother's graduation by going out for a nice dinner.

Example

The city is celebrating its founding anniversary with a series of concerts and a spectacular firework display over the harbour.

Usage

Often used with 'by' to describe the specific activity.
- ignoring
- mourning
2 praising or honouring (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

showing that you admire or respect someone or something publicly.

expressing public praise or admiration for a person, work of art, or idea.

Example

The new film is celebrating the life of a famous scientist.

Example

The exhibition succeeds in celebrating the artist's early career while acknowledging the controversial nature of his later political works.
- honouring
- praising
- extolling
- criticising
- condemning

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3 the act of celebration (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the activity of having a party or special event.

the gerundial use of the word to describe the process or occasion of a celebration.

Example

The celebrating continued late into the night after the team won the trophy.

Example

Much of the celebrating took place in the town square, where residents gathered to share food and music.
- festivity
- revelry