What does "celebration" mean?

1. (a party or social event) a social event or party where people have fun to mark a special occasion. 2. (the act of honoring something) the act of showing that a day or an event is important. 3. (religious or formal rite) a formal or religious ceremony, such as a wedding or a special church service.

How do you use "celebration"?

Often used with the verbs 'hold', 'throw', or 'organize'. Commonly used in the phrase 'the celebration of the Mass'.

celebration

US //ˌsɛɫəˈbɹeɪʃən// UK //sˌɛləbɹˈeɪʃən// cel·e·bra·tion

1 a party or social event (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a social event or party where people have fun to mark a special occasion.

a social gathering or activity designed to mark a particular occasion or achievement. Countable in this sense.

Example

The whole family gathered for a big celebration after my brother graduated from university.

Example

The city organized a massive celebration in the central square to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of its founding.

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'hold', 'throw', or 'organize'.
2 the act of honoring something (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of showing that a day or an event is important.

the act of observing or honoring a day, event, or person with ceremonies or festivities. Often uncountable when referring to the general practice.

Example

The celebration of New Year's Eve is a tradition in many different cultures.

Example

The public celebration of the victory continued for several days, with parades and speeches held across the country.
- observance
- commemoration
- neglect
- disregard

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3 religious or formal rite (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Religion

a formal or religious ceremony, such as a wedding or a special church service.

the formal performance of a solemn rite or religious ceremony. Often used in the context of the Eucharist or other sacraments.

Example

The priest led the celebration of the morning service for the local community.

Example

The cathedral was filled to capacity for the solemn celebration of the Easter liturgy.

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'the celebration of the Mass'.

Teacher's tip

This sense is much more formal and specific than the 'party' meaning; students should use it only in religious or highly traditional contexts.

Origin

From Old French celebration, from Latin celebratio. Equivalent to celebrate + -ion.