celebrity

 
Pronunciation: /sɪˈlɛbrɪti/

noun (plural celebrities)

  • a famous person, especially in entertainment or sport: he became a sporting celebrity [as modifier]: a celebrity interview
  • [mass noun] the state of being well known: his prestige and celebrity grew

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'solemn ceremony'): from Old French celebrite or Latin celebritas, from celeber, celebr- 'frequented or honoured'