The phosphor of CeO2 activated with the trivalent rare-earth Sm3+ ions were synthesized by using a solvothermal method. The CeO2:Sm3+ powders were finally obtained through calcination process sintered in the air at 800-1200 degrees C. The synthesized phosphors were characterized systematically by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence excitation spectra (PLE). The XRD and FE-SEM results reveal that the phosphor exhibit agglomerated spherical shape and with the increase of sintering temperature peaks become sharper and narrower and the crystal sizes also increase, respectively. The room temperature photoluminescence spectra of Sm3+ doped CeO2 powders were recorded on a PTI (Photon Technology International) flurimeter using a Xe-arc lamp with a power of 60 W. The emitted radiation was dominated by the orange light with the characteristic emission of Sm3+ from the transitions of 4G5/2 --> 6H5/2,7/2. The sharp emission properties show that the CeO2 has the potential to serve as a host material for rare-earth doped laser crystal and phosphor material.