Words / B2

s-uh-LEBR-uh-tee/səˈlebrəti/

A celebrity is a famous person, especially in entertainment: a celebrity guest, celebrity culture. Famous person is the everyday paraphrase; star is close in film and music; public figure includes politicians and writers who may not be “celebrities.” Celebrity can also mean fame itself (a brief celebrity). In speech, a famous person or a star is enough. The word can sound slightly tabloid — use it when fame is the point, not when you mean an expert.

Meaning

A famous person, especially in entertainment.

Examples

• “The celebrity opened the new library.”
• “A celebrity opened the new wing and left before the questions.”
• “The book is about celebrity, not about the craft of acting.”

Good to know

A famous person, especially in entertainment. Everyday: famous person / star. Broader: public figure. Also: fame itself.

Near in meaning

star

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