cause célèbre

noun cause cé·lè·bre \ˌkȯz-sə-ˈleb, -ˈle-brə, ˌkōz-, -ˈlebr^ə\

: a legal case or an event that a lot of people become interested in

plural causes cé·lè·bres also causes celebres \same\

Full Definition of CAUSE CÉLÈBRE

: a legal case that excites widespread interest

: a notorious person, thing, incident, or episode

See cause célèbre defined for English-language learners

cause cé·lè·bre also cause ce·le·bre \ˌkȯz-sə-ˈleb, -ˈle-brə, ˌkōz-, -ˈlebr^ə\

French, literally, celebrated case

First Known Use: 1763

Synonyms: big name, celebrity (also cause celebre), celeb, figure, icon (also ikon), light, luminary, megastar, name, notability, notable, notoriety, personage, personality, somebody, standout, star, superstar, VIP

Next Word in the Dictionary: cause listPrevious Word in the Dictionary: 'causeAll Words Near: cause célèbre

What made you want to look up cause célèbre? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears