certificate

American  

[ser-tif-i-kit, ser-tif-i-keyt] / sərˈtɪf ɪ kɪt, sərˈtɪf ɪˌkeɪt /

noun

1. a document serving as evidence or as written testimony, as of status, qualifications, privileges, or the truth of something.

2. a document attesting to the fact that a person has completed an educational course, issued either by an institution not authorized to grant diplomas, or to a student not qualifying for a diploma.

3. Law. a statement, written and signed, which is by law made evidence of the truth of the facts stated, for all or for certain purposes.

4. Finance.

   1. gold certificate.

   2. silver certificate.

---

verb (used with object)

certificated, certificating

1. to furnish with or authorize by a certificate.

2. to issue an official certificate attesting to the training, aptitude, and qualification of.

   to certificate a teacher.

certificate British  

noun

1. an official document attesting the truth of the facts stated, as of birth, marital status, death, health, completion of an academic course, ability to practise a profession, etc

2. short for share certificate

---

verb

1. (tr) to authorize by or present with an official document

Other Word Forms

• certificatory adjective
• noncertificated adjective
• uncertificated adjective

Etymology

Origin of certificate

1375–1425; late Middle English certificat < Medieval Latin certificātum, noun use of neuter of certificātus certified (past participle of certificāre ), equivalent to certific- ( see certify) + -ātus -ate ¹

Explanation

A certificate is a paper or document that proves some fact. Your most prized possession might be the certificate you got when you became a black belt in karate. Your fastidious friend might need to check the health inspection certificate before she'll agree to eat in a restaurant, and you'll need a copy of your birth certificate before you can apply for a passport. A certificate certifies or documents the fact that you are who you say you are, that you're licensed to drive, or authorized to practice dentistry, for example. You can trace the word certificate back to the Latin certus, "sure, fixed, settled."

Example Sentences

So when he attended the Miami Culinary Institute in 2023, finishing a year later with a certificate, it wasn’t with a career in the kitchen in mind.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The official cause of death listed on the crew member’s death certificate, which was obtained by TMZ, states that Meadows died from drowning with probable hypothermia and submersion of his body in cold water.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

It’s like a saver borrowing at 5% to fund a 3% certificate of deposit–the numbers don’t work.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

However, in order to get a passport, people still need to prove their citizenship, which for most Americans, means providing their birth certificate.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Underneath the scattered sheets, the certificate lies tossed aside like a useless piece of mail.

From "A Step from Heaven" by An Na

Related Words

• affidavit
• authentication
• authorization
• certification
• coupon
• credential
• deed
• diploma
• documentation
• guarantee
• license
• paper
• permit
• receipt
• ticket
• voucher
• warrant
• warranty