certificate
Americannoun
-
a document serving as evidence or as written testimony, as of status, qualifications, privileges, or the truth of something.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Finance.
verb (used with object)
-
to furnish with or authorize by a certificate.
-
to issue an official certificate attesting to the training, aptitude, and qualification of.
to certificate a teacher.
noun
-
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
-
short for share certificate
verb
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- ( certify ) + -ātus -ate 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In addition to the wedding certificate, James signed a prenuptial agreement that Burden’s mother insisted upon.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 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 evacuation involved significant logistical challenges, including securing cargo flights and navigating Belgian health certificate rules.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026
Harris said, holding his certificate and a miniature Ghana flag.
From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026
She wasn’t allowed into the class until her mother brought in her birth certificate to prove who she was.
From "Crash" by Jerry Spinelli
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
