Celeb
/səˈlɛb/noun
An informal word for a celebrity.
Did you know?‘Celeb’ is a clipped form of ‘celebrity,’ and the word ‘celebrity’ ultimately comes from Latin celebrāre, meaning to frequent, honor, or make famous—so the whole idea is literally tied to public ritual and praise.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
celebrāre
“to frequent, honor, or make famous; to throng together”
Late Latin
Latin
celebritās
“fame, glory, splendor; a crowded throng”
Middle English
English
celebrité
“fame, renown, or the condition of being much talked about”
19th Century
English
celebrity
“a person of fame or public renown”
20th Century
English
celeb
“informal shortening of celebrity”
Explore more surprising origins