celebrate

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsɛlɪbreɪt/

verb

[with object]
  • 1publicly acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity: they were celebrating their wedding anniversary at a swanky restaurant [no object]: she celebrated with a glass of champagne wildlife campaigners celebrated after their victory
  • reach (a birthday or anniversary): the programme celebrates its 40th birthday this year
  • 2perform (a religious ceremony), in particular officiate at (the Eucharist): he celebrated holy communion
  • 3honour or praise publicly: a film celebrating the actor’s career

Derivatives

celebrator

noun

celebratory

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English (in celebrate (sense 2)): from Latin celebrat- 'celebrated', from the verb celebrare, from celeber, celebr- 'frequented or honoured'