WordGarden.iocelibate
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɛlɪbˌeɪt/
US
- /ˈsɛlɪbət/
Meanings
Adjective
not having sex or marrying, especially by choice or religious vow
Noun
a person who abstains from sex or marriage
Beyond the definition
Imagine a monk dedicating their life entirely to prayer and contemplation—that's often what comes to mind when we think of someone who is celibate. But being celibate isn't always about religion! It usually means choosing not to have sex, and in its more traditional sense it also implies remaining unmarried. People might choose celibacy for religious reasons, personal beliefs, or as a commitment during a specific period in their lives. A knight in shining armor might vow celibacy until he finds his true love, or an artist may embrace it to focus solely on their craft. The word comes from the Latin caelebs, meaning "single" or "unmarried."
Celibate describes someone who has voluntarily chosen to abstain from sexual activity. While often associated with religious life—think monks, nuns, and certain priests—celibacy isn't exclusive to faith. It is a conscious decision and a personal commitment to live without sexual relations (and, in some contexts, without marriage).
Historically, celibacy was seen as a way to dedicate oneself fully to spiritual pursuits, based on the belief that sexual energy could divert focus from divine connection. In some religions, it is considered a sacred state, symbolizing purity and devotion. However, individuals may also choose celibacy for personal reasons—perhaps to prioritize career goals, explore self-discovery, or simply because they do not feel drawn to romantic relationships at a particular time.
The term can be used as an adjective ("a celibate lifestyle") or a noun ("He lived as a celibate"). It's important to distinguish celibacy from chastity: while both involve sexual restraint, chastity often refers to following moral principles about sexual behavior in the context of one's life (such as abstinence outside marriage or faithfulness within it), whereas celibacy typically means abstaining from sex, often alongside remaining unmarried.
So, whether driven by faith, personal choice, or a desire for focused dedication, being celibate signifies a deliberate and voluntary commitment to living without sexual relations.
Examples
- 1
Religious rule
Catholic priests in that order are expected to remain celibate.
- 2
Personal choice
After her divorce, she decided to stay celibate for a while.
- 3
Noun use
He lived as a celibate for many years before leaving the monastery.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- celibatenounadjective
Forms
- celibatespluralnounadjective