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

Sarah said that Lily's Austrian passport states she was born in Britain, and that she also offered to show her birth certificate as proof - but was told this wouldn't be sufficient.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Nor were the copies of his Puerto Rico ID and his birth certificate.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

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

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

It’s still on my birth certificate, but at school, my mom thought it’d be easier to go by her last name.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan