celibacy
noun
cel·i·ba·cy
ˈse-lə-bə-sē 
1
: the state of not being married
2
a
: abstention from sexual intercourse
b
: abstention by vow from marriage
priestly celibacy
Examples of celibacy in a Sentence
a widower who has maintained absolute celibacy since the death of his wife
Recent Examples on the Web
In the medieval church, women’s roles were limited – usually some form of enclosure and celibacy, such as becoming an anchoress walled up alone for life, or a nun in a classic convent.
—
Joelle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025
But Cole is resolute in his pre-marital celibacy.
—Big Think, 26 Mar. 2025
Andrew Tate when a detective brings up the potential role of the involuntary celibacy subculture.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
Speaking with host Sherri Shepherd, the R&B singer shared more on his past experience with practicing celibacy, as well as his thoughts on nontraditional relationships.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celibacy
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Joelle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025
But Cole is resolute in his pre-marital celibacy.
—Big Think, 26 Mar. 2025
Andrew Tate when a detective brings up the potential role of the involuntary celibacy subculture.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
Speaking with host Sherri Shepherd, the R&B singer shared more on his past experience with practicing celibacy, as well as his thoughts on nontraditional relationships.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celibacy
Cite this Entry
“Celibacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celibacy. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
celibacy
noun
cel·i·ba·cy
ˈsel-ə-bə-sē
: the state of not being married
especially
: the state of one who has taken a vow not to marry
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