a celebrity

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A famous person, especially one who is well known from entertainment, sports, or the media.

   Grammar: Countable; use 'a celebrity' for one, 'celebrities' for more than one. Often used before another noun: a celebrity chef.

   Patterns

   • a celebrity chef
   • become a celebrity
   • a celebrity guest

   Many celebrities attended the film premiere.

   She became a celebrity after winning the singing competition.

   The restaurant is known for its celebrity customers.

2. 2noununcountableformal

   The state of being famous; fame.

   Grammar: Uncountable; used without 'a' or 'an': 'He enjoys celebrity.' Do not say 'a celebrity' for this meaning.

   Patterns

   • enjoy celebrity
   • achieve celebrity
   • rise to celebrity

   The author achieved celebrity with her first novel.

   He found that celebrity brought both advantages and problems.

Word forms

Common combinations

celebrity chef

The celebrity chef opened a new restaurant in town.

celebrity gossip

Magazines are full of celebrity gossip.

international celebrity

The actor became an international celebrity overnight.

celebrity status

She never wanted celebrity status.

Synonyms and how they differ

star

A very famous performer or athlete; 'celebrity' is broader and can include people famous for other reasons.

famous person

A plain phrase with the same meaning; 'celebrity' often suggests media attention.

public figure

Someone known to the public, often in politics or business; 'celebrity' usually implies entertainment or sports fame.

icon

A person or thing admired as a symbol of something; stronger and more enduring than 'celebrity'.

Opposites

Word family

celebrated adjective

Famous and admired, often for achievements: a celebrated artist.

celeb noun

Informal short form of 'celebrity'.

Commonly confused: a celebrity or celebration?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a celebrity”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words