Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Celebration has 4 different meanings across 1 category:
a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event
"The entire town gathered in the square for a grand celebration to mark their victory in the championship game."
any joyous diversion
"The town's annual celebration was nothing more than a joyous diversion to mark the end of winter."
the public performance of a sacrament or solemn ceremony with all appropriate ritual
"the celebration of marriage"
The formal performance of a solemn rite, such as Christian sacrament.
"The congregation gathered to watch the celebration of their first communion."
In plain English: A celebration is when people gather to have fun and show happiness about something special that happened.
"The party was held to celebrate her graduation from college."
Usage: This definition refers to an archaic or religious sense that is rarely used in modern conversation; instead, use the word to describe a joyful gathering where people honor someone or something with festivities and activities. Avoid this specific meaning when referring to general parties or happy occasions.
The word comes from Old French and originally meant the act of honoring or performing a religious rite before evolving into its modern sense. It entered English through this same lineage as an abstract noun describing public festivities.