celebratory

adjective

cel·​e·​bra·​to·​ry ˈse-lə-brə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce celebratory (audio)
ˌse-lə-ˈbrā-tə-rē
: of, relating to, expressing, or characterized by celebration
The tone of the article was celebratory.
Both band and audience seemed in celebratory moods, with massive cheers erupting when the lights went out …Emily Burnham
: used or intended for use in celebrating
We went for a celebratory drink after the game.
And you can even find meals that don't have any turkey at all; for many Westerners, Thanksgiving dinner is more about celebratory feasting than ironclad tradition, so chefs update their menus with everything from lobster with tomato-basil polenta to butternut squash lasagna.Colleen Dunn Bates
Also beginning in earnest is the crop of celebratory activities to mark the 250th anniversary of the quintessential college town.James Heflin

Examples of celebratory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The celebratory procession stretched across a 10-mile route, moving slowly through streets awash in red smoke, rain, and fireworks launched from the Royal Liver Building. Jenna Sundel gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025 In the evening, the Captain’s Gala dinner provides a celebratory event on board with fine cuisine and Rhine River views. Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025 The images appear to be from an event following the graduation with celebratory balloons and additional guests. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 23 May 2025 The Eagles then followed that with a slew of celebratory posts. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for celebratory

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of celebratory was in 1809

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Cite this Entry

“Celebratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celebratory. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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