Celebration

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin celebratus, past participle of celebrare to frequent, celebrate, from celebr-, celeber much frequented, famous; perhaps akin to Latin celer

• Date: 15th century

Definitions

transitive verb

• 1 : to perform (a sacrament or solemn ceremony) publicly and with appropriate rites
• 2 a : to honor (as a holiday) especially by solemn ceremonies or by refraining from ordinary business

b : to mark (as an anniversary) by festivities or other deviation from routine

• 3 : to hold up or play up for public notice <her poetry celebrates the glory of nature>

intransitive verb

• 1 : to observe a holiday, perform a religious ceremony, or take part in a festival
• 2 : to observe a notable occasion with festivities