testament

American  

[tes-tuh-muhnt] / ˈtɛs tə mənt /

noun

1. Law.

   1. a will, especially one that relates to the disposition of one's personal property.

   2. will.

2. either of the two major portions of the Bible: the Mosaic or old covenant or dispensation, or the Christian or new covenant or dispensation.

3. (initial capital letter)  the New Testament, as distinct from the Old Testament.

4. (initial capital letter)  a copy of the New Testament.

5. a covenant, especially between God and humans.

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testament ¹ British  

/ ˈtɛstəmənt /

noun

1. law a will setting out the disposition of personal property (esp in the phrase last will and testament )

2. a proof, attestation, or tribute

   his success was a testament to his skills

3. 1. a covenant instituted between God and man, esp the covenant of Moses or that instituted by Christ

   2. a copy of either the Old or the New Testament, or of the complete Bible

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Testament ² British  

/ ˈtɛstəmənt /

noun

1. either of the two main parts of the Bible; the Old Testament or the New Testament

2. the New Testament as distinct from the Old

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Other Word Forms

• testamental adjective

Etymology

Origin of testament

1250–1300; Middle English: will, covenant < Latin testāmentum, equivalent to testā ( rī ) to bear witness ( testate ) + -mentum -ment

Example Sentences

The Nursey album is also a stunning testament to the urban transformation of Bombay.

From BBC

“Today was another … testament to that. So great win for us, but I’m starting to feel better and better.”

From Los Angeles Times

James, who grew up in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, added: "This is testament to the incredible work of everyone who made the show."

From BBC

The large crowd was a testament to how rare the moment was as it was one of the few times that the pair has performed the opulent lifestyle rap album since it dropped in February.

From Los Angeles Times

Throughout the taping, the audience erupted in laughter, cheers and applause, a testament to how deeply the show remains embedded in people’s lives.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• proof
• testimonial
• testimony