v., -brat·ed, -brat·ing, -brates. v.tr.
- To observe (a day or event) with ceremonies of respect, festivity, or rejoicing. See synonyms at observe.
- To perform (a religious ceremony): celebrate Mass.
- To extol or praise: a sonnet that celebrates love.
- To make widely known; display: "a determination on the author's part to celebrate . . . the offenses of another" (William H. Pritchard).
- To observe an occasion with appropriate ceremony or festivity.
- To perform a religious ceremony.
- To engage in festivities: went out and celebrated after the victory.
[Middle English celebraten, from Latin celebrāre, celebrāt-, to frequent, celebrate, from celeber, celebr-, frequented, famous.]
celebration cel'e·bra'tion n.celebrator cel'e·bra'tor n.
celebratory cel'e·bra·to'ry (sĕl'ə-brə-tôr'ē, -tōr'ē, sə-lĕb'rə-) adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
