Celebrating

/ˈsɛləˌbreɪtɪŋ/

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

1

To publicly express happiness or joy for a special event or achievement.

/ˈsɛləˌbreɪtɪŋ/

verbpositiveBeginner
General

To mark a special occasion with a social event

They are celebrating their daughter's graduation.

💡 Simply: Imagine a birthday party with cake and presents – that's celebrating! It means showing joy for something special.

👶 For kids: Having a party because something good happened!

More Examples

2

Let's celebrate our victory!

How It's Used

Social Events

"We are celebrating our anniversary with a party."

Festivals

"The town is celebrating its annual harvest festival."

Idioms & expressions

celebrate a victory

To rejoice and express happiness after winning something.

"The team celebrated their victory with a parade."

From Middle English *celebraten, from Old French *celebrer, from Latin *celebrare, meaning 'to honour, perform publicly'.

The word 'celebrate' has historically been used in more formal contexts, such as religious ceremonies. Its usage has broadened considerably over time.

Memory tip

Think of 'celebrating' as 'making merry' for a great occasion.

Base: celebrate
celebreatingceleberatingcelebraiting

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written