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

In addition to the post receiving comments from some of Roan's celebrity friends, including Paris Hilton, who left a heart-eyes emoji, fans also reacted to the hair change. —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 17 May 2025

All of the biggest celebrity stories, in your inbox every day: Sign up for the entertainment newsletter. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 17 May 2025

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more. —EW.com, 17 May 2025

The building, located next to the Arc de Triomphe, has become a celebrity hang in a few short months, a hideaway that comes alive as the night progresses. —Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 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