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Definition of celibate

celibate

/ˈsɛl.ɪ.bət/
cel · i · bate
Adverb:celibately
•
Plural:celibates
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celibate Lexical Profile

celibate Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, typically for religious or spiritual reasons.

Example

"Monks in that monastic order take a solemn vow to remain celibate for life."

2

Abstaining from sexual relations.

Example

"After his divorce, he chose to lead a quiet, celibate life focused on his artistic career."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A person who abstains from marriage and sexual relations.

Example

"The historical treatise examined the daily routines of religious celibates in medieval Europe."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for celibate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for celibate

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'celibate' traditionally denoted the state of remaining unmarried (especially for a religious vow), in modern usage it frequently overlaps with 'abstinent' to describe anyone who voluntarily refrains from sexual activity regardless of marital history.

• Nearby Words

celia
celiac
celibacy
celibate
cell
cellar
cellblock

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 19th century from Latin caelibatus ('state of being unmarried'), derived from caeleps ('unmarried, single').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Celibate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/celibate
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