What does celibate mean?
Celibate describes a person who abstains from sexual activity, and often, particularly in religious contexts, one who remains unmarried. It functions both as an adjective ('he has been celibate for a decade') and, less commonly, as a noun ('she lived as a celibate'). The word derives from the Latin caelebs, meaning 'unmarried', which explains its close historical association with singleness as well as abstinence. Today it appears most frequently in discussions of religious life — Catholic priests, monks, and nuns typically commit to celibacy through vows — but it is equally applicable to personal or secular choices to refrain from sexual relationships. Its tone is neutral and somewhat formal, carrying implications of self-discipline or dedication rather than hardship. Related terms include 'celibacy', the state itself, and 'chaste', which overlaps in meaning but emphasizes moral purity more broadly. Because it names a deliberate way of living, 'celibate' remains a precise and useful term wherever sexual renunciation is meant.
Abstaining from sexual activity; also, unmarried, especially by religious commitment.
"The monk took a vow to remain celibate for life."
A person who abstains from sexual activity, especially one who does so permanently as a matter of religious observance.
"As a celibate, he devoted himself entirely to his studies."
Used only when referring to multiple people who are celibate; uncommon outside religious or demographic contexts.
"The monastery housed several celibates who had taken lifelong vows."
The word 'celibate' traces back to the Latin caelebs, meaning 'unmarried' — so at its root, it was about marital status long before it became about abstinence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of celibate
Celibate comes from the Latin caelebs (stem caelib-), meaning 'unmarried', via the Late Latin caelibatus, 'state of being unmarried'. It entered English in the early modern period, around the 17th century, initially emphasizing the unmarried state before narrowing toward its modern sense of sexual abstinence. The same Latin root gives English 'celibacy', the noun naming the state itself.
Related word forms
How celibate is actually used
'Celibate' carries a neutral to formal register and is most often encountered in religious contexts, though it is also used of secular choices to forgo sexual activity. It can carry connotations of discipline or devotion rather than deprivation. The noun form ('a celibate') is less common than the adjective.
Easily confused with celibate
'Chaste' broadly implies moral purity and restraint in sexual matters (and can describe thoughts or conduct generally), whereas 'celibate' specifically denotes abstention from sexual activity or from marriage.
'Abstinent' refers to refraining from any indulgence (food, alcohol, sex, etc.), while 'celibate' applies specifically to sexual abstinence.