noun
celibacy
SEH-luh-buh-see
noun
1
The state of not marrying, often for religious reasons.
"Catholic priests take a vow of celibacy."
2
Abstaining from sexual activity.
"He chose a period of celibacy after the relationship ended."
How to Use Celibacy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishChoosing not to marry or not to have sex, often as a deliberate, sometimes religious, commitment.
Common pairings
a vow of celibacy
practice celibacy
lifelong celibacy
Word Forms
celibacies plural
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Catholic priests take a vow of _____.
Etymology
From Latin caelibatus, "the single state," from caelebs, "unmarried."