'celebrate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'celebrare', where 'celeber' meant 'frequented, crowded'.

'celebrare' passed into Old French as 'celebrer' and then into Middle English (e.g. 'celebraten'), eventually becoming the modern English word 'celebrate'.

Initially it meant 'to frequent or throng', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to honor or observe an occasion'.