celebratory

[sel-uh-bruh-tawr-ee]

adjective

1. relating to or being the commemoration of an event with ceremonies or festivities.

   The month of December features several celebratory occasions for our family—both our parents’ birthdays, their wedding anniversary, and Christmas.

2. expressing praise.

   His new single, recorded last month, is a celebratory ode to family and life on the land.

3. of or relating to a party, drinking spree, or uninhibited good time.

   The New Year was underway at the ski resort even before the celebratory hangovers from last night's party had faded away.

Word History and Origins

Origin of celebratory¹

celebrat(e) ( def. ) + -ory ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Mr Acosta and the dance company wanted to position both the music and ballet in a celebratory way.

From BBC

And it ended with the Dodgers in a celebratory postgame line, trading victorious high-fives near the mound.

From Los Angeles Times

Liberals online were in a celebratory mood, documenting how the president hadn’t been seen in public for days following recent appearances where he seemed more unwell than usual.

From Salon

After a landmark 50th season — complete with multiple celebratory events and a slew of Emmy nominations — “Saturday Night Live” is ready for some changes.

From Los Angeles Times

The couple celebrated their wedding over a week-long period in order to fit in celebratory events from both of their cultural traditions.

From BBC

Related Words

• elated 
• exultant 
• glorious 
• happy 
• jubilant 
• proud 
• triumphal 
• victorious