celebrates; celebrated; celebrating
1 : to do something special or enjoyable for an important event, occasion, holiday, etc.
[+ object]
We are celebrating my birthday by going out to dinner.
The family gathered to celebrate Christmas.
We are celebrating our anniversary next week.
They are celebrating the birth of their third child.
[no object]
We won! Let's celebrate!
2 [+ object] formal : to praise (someone or something) : to say that (someone or something) is great or important
The book celebrates the movies of the past.
Her lecture celebrated the genius of the artist.
We should celebrate diversity.
He is celebrated for his contributions to modern science.
3 [+ object] formal : to perform (a religious ceremony)
A priest celebrates Mass at the church daily.
— celebrator /ˈsɛləˌbreɪtɚ/ noun, plural celebrators [count]
The dance floor was packed with celebrators. [=revelers]
a celebrator of fine wine
— celebratory /ˈsɛləbrəˌtori/ Brit /ˌsɛləˈbreɪtri/ adjective, formal [more celebratory; most celebratory]
The tone of the article was celebratory.
a celebratory drink/dinner