celebrity

noun

ce·​leb·​ri·​ty sə-ˈle-brə-tē How to pronounce celebrity (audio)
plural celebrities
Synonyms of celebritynext
1
: the state of being celebrated : fame
The actress lived a life of celebrity.
2
: a famous or celebrated person
Many celebrities attended the awards ceremony.

Synonyms

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Examples of celebrity in a Sentence

The actress lived a life of celebrity. There were many celebrities at the party.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her post received an overwhelming amount of support from celebrities and fans alike, who applauded her for being so open. —Stephanie Guerilus, People.com, 8 June 2025 The historic hotel, originally opened in 1911, has hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries over the years. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 8 June 2025 People are not buying our cars because a celebrity is driving it. —Morgan Korn, ABC News, 8 June 2025 Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more. —Mike Miller Published, EW.com, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for celebrity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English celebrite "fame, renown," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French celebrité, borrowed from Latin celebritāt-, celebritās "busy or crowded conditions, reputation, fame," from celebr-, celeber "much used, frequented, widely known, famed" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at celebrate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of celebrity was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing celebrity

Browse Nearby Words

celebrious
celebrity
celebrityhood
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Celebrity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celebrity. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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Kids Definition

celebrity

noun
ce·​leb·​ri·​ty sə-ˈleb-rət-ē How to pronounce celebrity (audio)
plural celebrities
1
: the state of being celebrated : fame
his short-lived celebrity
2
: a famous or celebrated person

More from Merriam-Webster on celebrity

Nglish: Translation of celebrity for Spanish Speakers

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