celibacy

noun

cel·​i·​ba·​cy ˈse-lə-bə-sē 

1

: the state of not being married

2

a

: abstention from sexual intercourse

b

: abstention by vow from marriage

priestly celibacy

Synonyms

• abstinence
• chasteness
• chastity
• continence

Examples of celibacy in a Sentence

a widower who has maintained absolute celibacy since the death of his wife

Recent Examples on the Web

Friedman's refreshingly honest answers about her own celibacy challenge the conventional notions of fulfillment and happiness. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

However, history has demonstrated that political celibacy movements rarely stick, according to Aronowitz. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024

The cast being agog about her celibacy will get old quickly. —Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024

Many experimented with fasting, sleep deprivation, and vegetarian diets while frequently taking vows of celibacy. —Jeffrey E. Schulman / Made By History, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

celibate "state of not being married" (borrowed from Latin caelibātus, from caelebs "not having a spouse, unmarried" + -ātus -ate entry 2) + -acy — more at celibate entry 1

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

celibacy

noun

cel·​i·​ba·​cy ˈsel-ə-bə-sē 

: the state of not being married

especially : the state of one who has taken a vow not to marry