birth certificate

American  

noun

1. an official form recording the birth of a baby and containing pertinent data, as name, sex, date, place, and parents.

---

birth certificate British  

noun

1. an official form giving details of the time and place of a person's birth, and his or her name, sex, mother's name and (usually) father's name

---

Etymology

Origin of birth certificate

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The Guardian reported that the private investigators attempted to access the alleged victim’s private travel history and her son’s birth certificate, and uncovered some of her online passwords.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

A judgment made in 2023, published in February 2025, said Albon had applied to be named on the birth certificate of another child and wanted its surname changed to match his.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

These laws usually require proof of citizenship in the form of a passport or birth certificate — documents that are difficult for many Americans to access or obtain.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

Gather proof of residency, citizenship documents like a birth certificate and passport, and documentation related to any dependents, the law firm says.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

She opens up the folder and examines the immunization record, the birth certificate.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri