# celibacy

/ˈsɛɫəbəsi/ (US) · /sˈɛlɪbəsi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/celibacy
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the state of not having any sexual relationships. It is often a choice made by people for religious, personal, or health reasons.

For teachers: the state of abstaining from sexual relations, typically for religious, moral, or health reasons.

## Examples

- He chose celibacy to focus on his spiritual life.
- The religious order requires its members to maintain celibacy as part of their commitment to the community.
- The debate over mandatory celibacy in certain professional environments often centers on the balance between personal autonomy and the prevention of potential conflicts of interest.

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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.