Definition of "celebrant" [cel•e•brant]

• A person who participates in a religious ceremony or rite. (noun)
• A person who officiates at a religious or civil ceremony or rite, especially a wedding. (noun)
• In some Christian churches, the cleric officiating at the celebration of the Eucharist. (noun)
• A participant in a celebration. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The main celebrant was the new Apostolic Nuncio to Austria, who was assisted by Cardinal von Schönborn of Vienna and Bishop Kapellari of Graz."
• "A: The principal celebrant is Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, dean of the College of Cardinals, who will deliver the homily."
• "Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, dean of the College of Cardinals and close confidant to the pope, was the main celebrant and delivered the homily in praise of John Paul."