celebrity

noun

ce·​leb·​ri·​ty sə-ˈle-brə-tē How to pronounce celebrity (audio)
plural celebrities
Synonyms of celebrity
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 of celebrity

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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.
Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts and other celebrities have owned homes on the island home over the years. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026 Despite hosting all kinds of wagers, including celebrity gossip like Taylor Swift’s possible bridesmaids, the user base has skewed mostly male. — Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 1 July 2026 As Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's reported wedding approaches, experts say the ceremony is poised to become much more than a celebrity milestone. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 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
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Cite this Entry

“Celebrity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celebrity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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