Celebrity: Definition, Usage & Examples Explained

Meaning 1：famous person (celebrity)

celebrity 🔊

/səˈlebrəti/

A person who is very famous, especially for their work in movies, music, or sports.

Celebrity definition illustrated by a movie star on red carpet with fans and cameras

famous person 🔊

➕

/ˈfeɪməs ˈpɜːrsən/

A widely recognized individual, typically from fields like film, music, television, or sports, who attracts public attention.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'celeber' meaning 'frequented, honored' + '-itas' suffix forming nouns of state.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a CELEBRation where everyone knows your name. You are the center of attention.

📖 Example

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the celebrity ordering coffee at the small café near my house. 🔊 I was astonished to see the famous person getting coffee at the local café.

🔗 Collocations

celebrity status – The condition of being widely recognized and famous.

celebrity endorsement – A form of advertising where a famous person promotes a product or service.

celebrity chef – A cook who has become famous through television, books, or restaurants.

🔄 Synonyms

star (n.) – A very famous and successful performer, especially in movies or music.

famous person (n.) – Someone known about by many people.

public figure (n.) – A person who is well-known to the public, especially in a particular field.

🚫 Antonyms

unknown (n.) – A person who is not famous or recognized by the public.

commoner (n.) – An ordinary person who is not of noble rank or notable fame.

nobody (n.) – A person of no importance, influence, or fame.

🌱 Derivatives

celebrityhood (n.) – The state or condition of being a celebrity.

📖 Cultural Story

The word originates from the Latin 'celebritas,' meaning 'a crowd' or 'fame.' Its modern meaning solidified with the rise of mass media, particularly Hollywood in the 20th century, which turned film actors into widely known public figures. Today, the concept is central to entertainment news, advertising, and social media.