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

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

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Until now, a valid birth certificate had been sufficient to establish a person’s U.S. citizenship.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Most items come with a certificate of authenticity, but that certificate is only as legitimate as the organisation which awards it, and those organisations can be completely unvetted.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

The year my sister, Tansy, got her provisional teaching certificate.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Related Words

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