transitive verb celebrated -·brat′·ed, celebrating -·brat′·ing

1. to perform (a ritual, ceremony, etc.) publicly and formally: solemnize
2. to commemorate (an anniversary, holiday, etc.) with ceremony or festivity
3. to honor or praise publicly
4. to mark (a happy occasion) by engaging in some pleasurable activity

Etymology: ME celebraten < L celebratus, pp. of celebrare, to frequent, go in great numbers, honor < celeber, frequented, populous; akin to celer, swift: see hold

intransitive verb

1. to observe a holiday, anniversary, etc. with festivities
2. to perform a religious ceremony
3. to mark a happy occasion by engaging in some pleasurable activity