celibate
adjective
cel·​i·​bate
| \ ˈse-lə-bət
\
\
Definition of celibate
(Entry 1 of 2)
: of, relating to, or characterized by celibacy:
a
: not engaging in or characterized by sexual intercourse
leading a celibate life Because he regarded sex outside marriage as sinful, he remained celibate all his life.— Faith McNulty He pursued her avidly, writing her as many as three letters a day and even offering a celibate marriage to appease her fear of sex.— Ruth Franklin I'd been celibate for so long, what was another year without sex?— Sue Grafton
b
: abstaining from marriage and sex especially because of a religious vow
Father Hawkins, for one, believes the priesthood would benefit from a broader mix of married and celibate priests.— Daniel McGinn I have met a few celibate monks in whom celibacy is truly a gift, a charism from which all—married or not—can learn …— John Garvey The Shakers, a celibate religious community, stress pacifism, equality and the communal ownership of material goods.— Lyn Riddle
celibate
noun
plural celibates
Definition of celibate (Entry 2 of 2)
a
: an unmarried person
especially
: one who abstains from marriage because of a religious vow
priestly celibates
b
: a person who abstains from sexual intercourse
… described himself as "a reluctant celibate" who had not been with a woman for four years …— Janice Kennedy