ENGLISH
REFERENCE

celibate

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈsɛɫɪbət// UK //sˈɛlɪbˌeɪt// celi·bate Archaic

n. a person who has chosen not to have sex or be in a romantic relationship. This is often a choice made for religious or personal reasons.

n. a person who abstains from sexual intercourse and romantic relationships, typically for religious, moral, or personal conviction. Often used in the context of monastic life or specific spiritual traditions.


SIMPLE

The monk lived as a celibate for many years.

COMPLEX

While some view the life of a celibate as one of isolation, many find it to be a path of profound spiritual discipline and community service.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

Probably from the noun (“celibacy”) or from celibacy on the model of privacy/private, etc. Alternatively, from Latin caelebs (“single”) + -ate.

Etymology 2

From Latin caelebs + -ate (noun-forming suffix)

Etymology 3

From Latin caelebs + -ate (verb-forming suffix)

Etymology 4

From French célibat (“celibacy”), from Latin caelibātus (“celibacy”), from caelebs (“unmarried”); compare German Zölibat (“celibacy”). Equivalent to Latin caelebs + -ate (forming nouns denoting a rank, a state)

© 2026 English Reference