Cel"e*brate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Celebrated; p. pr.
& vb. n. Celebrating.]
[L. celebratus, p. p. of celebrare to frequent, to celebrate, fr.
celeber famous.] 1. To extol or honor in a solemn manner; as, to celebrate the name of the Most High.
2. To honor by solemn rites, by ceremonies of joy and respect, or by refraining from ordinary business; to observe duly; to keep;
as, to celebrate a birthday.
From even unto even shall ye celebrate your Sabbath.
Lev. xxiii. 32.
3. To perform or participate in, as a sacrament or solemn rite; to solemnize; to perform with appropriate rites; as, to celebrate a marriage.
Syn. -- To commemorate; distinguish; honor. -- To Celebrate, Commemorate. We commemorate events which we desire to keep in remembrance, when we recall them by some
special observace; as, to commemorate the death of
our Savior. We celebrate by demonstrations of joy or solemnity or by appropriate ceremonies; as, to celebrate the birthday of our Independence.
We are called upon to commemorate a revolution as surprising in its manner as
happy in its consequences.
Atterbury.
Earth, water,
air, and fire, with feeling glee,
Exult to celebrate thy festival.
Thomson.
Hear it pronounced