[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

celebrate \cel"ebrate\, v. t. imp.  p. p. celebrated; p.
   pr.  vb. n. celebrating. l. celebratus, p. p. of
   celebrare to frequent, to celebrate, fr. celeber famous.
   1. to extol or honor in a solemn manner; as, to celebrate the
      name of the most high.
      1913 webster

   2. to honor by solemn rites, by ceremonies of joy and
      respect, or by refraining from ordinary business; to
      observe duly; to keep; as, to celebrate a birthday.
      1913 webster

            from even unto even shall ye celebrate your sabbath.
                                                  --lev. xxiii.
                                                  32.
      1913 webster

   3. to perform or participate in, as a sacrament or solemn
      rite; to solemnize; to perform with appropriate rites; as,
      to celebrate a marriage.

   syn: to commemorate; distinguish; honor.

   usage: to celebrate, commemorate. we commemorate events
          which we desire to keep in remembrance, when we recall
          them by some special observace; as, to commemorate the
          death of our savior. we celebrate by demonstrations of
          joy or solemnity or by appropriate ceremonies; as, to
          celebrate the birthday of our independence.
          1913 webster

                we are called upon to commemorate a revolution
                as surprising in its manner as happy in its
                consequences.                     --atterbury.
          1913 webster

                earth, water, air, and fire, with feeling glee,
                exult to celebrate thy festival.  --thomson.
          1913 webster
see also:
celebrated celebrating celebrate commemorate 

Celebrating >> C Words
Celebrating, definition of term: Celebrating
celebrating_pag1.html