testament

American  

[tes-tuh-muhnt] / ˈtɛs tə mənt /

noun

1. Law.

   1. a will, especially one that relates to the disposition of one's personal property.

   2. will.

2. either of the two major portions of the Bible: the Mosaic or old covenant or dispensation, or the Christian or new covenant or dispensation.

3. (initial capital letter) the New Testament, as distinct from the Old Testament.

4. (initial capital letter) a copy of the New Testament.

5. a covenant, especially between God and humans.

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testament ¹ British  

/ ˈtɛstəmənt /

noun

1. law a will setting out the disposition of personal property (esp in the phrase last will and testament )

2. a proof, attestation, or tribute

   his success was a testament to his skills

3. 1. a covenant instituted between God and man, esp the covenant of Moses or that instituted by Christ

   2. a copy of either the Old or the New Testament, or of the complete Bible

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Testament ² British  

/ ˈtɛstəmənt /

noun

1. either of the two main parts of the Bible; the Old Testament or the New Testament

2. the New Testament as distinct from the Old

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Other Word Forms

• testamental adjective

Etymology

Origin of testament

1250–1300; Middle English: will, covenant < Latin testāmentum, equivalent to testā ( rī ) to bear witness ( see testate) + -mentum -ment

Explanation

A testament is a statement of belief. The most famous testaments are the two parts of the Christian Bible: the Old and New Testaments. A testament states a belief or gives some kind of direction. The document people leave behind at death is known as the "last will and testament." It gives lawyers directions for dividing their possessions among family and friends. Also, you could say that an A in math class is a testament to your math skills. If you give to charity, that’s a testament to your character. Any testament is a strong statement of some kind.

Example Sentences

It is testament to the long-term value of Weiss’ strategy that her newsletter is still alive and well, edited in recent decades by Kelley Wright External link.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

It was a commercial and philanthropic success, earning official praise and continuing to raise funds for years - a lasting testament to his refusal to let war silence music.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

To me, the many-voiced story of the expedition is a testament to human restlessness and perseverance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

I have a child, and I’m very much a child, and I think it’s a testament to the spirit of this home and my father’s spirit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

When he woke, he had opened his Bible and his eyes had fallen on the testament of Peter.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Related Words

• proof
• testimonial
• testimony