notary public

American  

noun

plural

notaries public

1. a public officer or other person authorized to authenticate contracts, acknowledge deeds, take affidavits, protest bills of exchange, take depositions, etc.

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notary public British  

noun

1. a public official, usually a solicitor, who is legally authorized to administer oaths, attest and certify certain documents, etc

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Etymology

Origin of notary public

First recorded in 1490–1500

Example Sentences

In Latin American countries, a notario or notary public is an attorney or has legal training, but that’s not the case in the United States.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2025

In his deposition, Cozart said he summoned a notary public who witnessed Wang, Turbett and Lankford sign the deal, including a handwritten copy Turbett had drafted at the kitchen table.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2024

The signatures of Ms. Presley and of a notary public on some of the documents had been forged, lawyers for Ms. Keough said.

From New York Times • May 28, 2024

They have also presented an affidavit from a notary public who has denied signing key documents the company has held up as evidence that they are entitled to sell the home.

From New York Times • May 23, 2024

She just kept raising her kids, working various jobs as a barber, notary public, chemical mixer at a cement plant, grocery store clerk, limousine driver.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot