la célibataire

Definition & meaning

Célibataire means single: someone who is not in a romantic relationship or, more formally, someone who is not married.

• Elle est célibataire. — She is single.
• Un homme célibataire — A single or unmarried man.

In some contexts, it can also refer to someone who practices celibacy, especially for religious reasons.

Grammar & Word origin

• Part of speech: adjective or noun.
• Gender: the form is the same for masculine and feminine: un homme célibataire, une femme célibataire.
• Plural: célibataires.
• Origin: From Latin caelebs, meaning “unmarried.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonym:

• seul ↗ — “alone” or “single”; it emphasizes being without company and does not necessarily describe marital status.

Antonyms:

• marié ↗ — married; the opposite when referring specifically to marital status.
• en couple ↗ — in a relationship; the opposite when referring to romantic relationship status.

Common phrases & collocations

• rester célibataire ↗ — to remain single
• une personne célibataire ↗ — a single person
• le célibat ↗ — singlehood or celibacy