celebrant

noun

cel·​e·​brant ˈse-lə-brənt 

: one who celebrates

specifically : the priest officiating at the Eucharist

Synonyms

• celebrator
• merrymaker
• partyer
• partier
• partygoer
• reveler
• reveller
• roisterer

Examples of celebrant in a Sentence

The bishop will be the main celebrant.

the celebrant of the service

The celebrants lit their candles.

Recent Examples on the Web

At least a few of our readers disagreed with this sentiment, noting that these are often the people who are closest to the celebrant and sometimes may be the best or only option to entertain. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 26 Mar. 2025

During the Ash Wednesday homily, which had been prepared for the pontiff, the substitute celebrant opened with words of solidarity and gratitude for Francis. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025

Image Arabella Wilde, a friend and the celebrant who met them onstage, explained the surprise. —Tammy Lagorce, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025

The celebrant for the event was the Rt. Rev. Matthew F. Heyd, Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of New York. —Jared McCallister, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin celebrant-, celebrans, present participle of celebrāre "to throng, frequent, observe (an occasion, festivity), praise" — more at celebrate

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

celebrant

noun

cel·​e·​brant ˈsel-ə-brənt 

: a person who celebrates

especially : the priest who is celebrating Mass