cel·i·bate
ˈse-lə-bət 
: of, relating to, or characterized by celibacy:
a
: not engaging in or characterized by sexual intercourse
leading a celibate life
Because he regarded sex outside marriage as sinful, he remained celibate all his life.—
Faith McNulty
Faith McNultyHe pursued her avidly, writing her as many as three letters a day and even offering a celibate marriage to appease her fear of sex.—Ruth Franklin
Ruth FranklinI'd been celibate for so long, what was another year without sex?—Sue Grafton
Sue Grafton
b
: abstaining from marriage and sex especially because of a religious vow
Father Hawkins, for one, believes the priesthood would benefit from a broader mix of married and celibate priests.—Daniel McGinn
Daniel McGinnI have met a few celibate monks in whom celibacy is truly a gift, a charism from which all—married or not—can learn …—John Garvey
John GarveyThe Shakers, a celibate religious community, stress pacifism, equality and the communal ownership of material goods.—Lyn Riddle
Lyn Riddle
plural celibates
a
: an unmarried person
especially
: one who abstains from marriage because of a religious vow
priestly celibates
b
: a person who abstains from sexual intercourse
… described himself as "a reluctant celibate" who had not been with a woman for four years …—Janice Kennedy
Janice KennedyExamples of celibate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jack Irvin, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024
In addition to Omarion and Lenny, singer Mya has also shared that she’s been celibate for seven years, and it’s given her mental clarity.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 12 Sep. 2024
Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 24 Sep. 2024
Changes in ocean temperature have made the queen conchs living close to shore ‘celibate,’ in a way.
—Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for celibate 
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Adjective
In a September interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the Grammy winner — who's reportedly nearing billionaire status — opened up about why he's chosen to stay single and celibate as his career continues at a high speed.
—Jack Irvin, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024
In addition to Omarion and Lenny, singer Mya has also shared that she’s been celibate for seven years, and it’s given her mental clarity.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 12 Sep. 2024
Noun
Peter calls Ivan an incel (a portmanteau of involuntary celibate) and a baby.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 24 Sep. 2024
Changes in ocean temperature have made the queen conchs living close to shore ‘celibate,’ in a way.
—Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for celibate
Dictionary Entries Near celibate
Cite this Entry
“Celibate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celibate. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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