celebrity

noun

ce·​leb·​ri·​ty sə-ˈle-brə-tē 

plural celebrities

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

• cause célèbre
• cause celebre
• celeb
• figure
• icon
• ikon
• light
• luminary
• megastar
• name
• notability
• notable
• notoriety
• personage
• personality
• somebody
• standout
• star
• superstar
• VIP

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

Holland’s entry into the non-alcoholic beer market arrives as the sober-curious movement gains traction, amplified by celebrity endorsements. —Rachel King, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

As 2024 comes to an end, people remember the lives lost including those of their idols or favorite celebrities. —Bryan Alexander, The Courier-Journal, 1 Jan. 2025

That injection literally divided her into two bodies: the older one, and a younger, nubile one named Sue (Margaret Qualley), who got the job hosting Elisabeth’s old aerobics show and has rocketed onto the celebrity A-list. —Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025

If your New Year's Eve resolution involves paying less attention to celebrities in 2025, click away from this post. —Glamour, 1 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing celebrity

• cult of celebrity
• local celebrity

Kids Definition

celebrity

noun

ce·​leb·​ri·​ty sə-ˈleb-rət-ē 

plural celebrities

1

: the state of being celebrated : fame

his short-lived celebrity

2

: a famous or celebrated person