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.
In the cursed days of auto-sync, pre-mixed sets, and the celebrity spinner, few have done as much to defend the noble art of the DJ as Felix Manuel, aka Djrum, a selector who combines galactically expansive taste with equally vast technical skill. — Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2026 The platform allows celebrities and other public figures to share exclusive content directly with paying subscribers. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Hosted by the anonymous creator behind the celebrity news account @deuxmoi, Deux U breaks entertainment and celebrity scoops via news and photos, largely on social channels. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 Jean-Pierre took photos of celebrities arriving in flamboyant velvet suits, matching fur coats, towering hats, and golden platform shoes that screamed confidence and pride. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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
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