testamentary

American  

[tes-tuh-men-tuh-ree, -men-tree] / ˌtɛs təˈmɛn tə ri, -ˈmɛn tri /

Sometimes testamental

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a testament or will.

2. given, bequeathed, done, or appointed by will.

3. set forth or contained in a will.

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testamentary British  

/ ˌtɛstəˈmɛntərɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to a will or testament

2. derived from, bequeathed, or appointed by a will

3. contained or set forth in a will

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Other Word Forms

• nontestamentary adjective
• untestamental adjective
• untestamentary adjective

Etymology

Origin of testamentary

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Latin word testāmentārius. See testament, -ary

Example Sentences

There are stages of dementia, and it’s not clear from your letter whether your grandmother maintained testamentary capacity.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Alternatively, you could each place your 50% interest in the home into a testamentary trust at your death, giving the surviving spouse the right to live there for life.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

Your son would need to provide the bank with a copy of the death certificate, letters testamentary and, in some cases, a tax ID for the estate.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 18, 2025

Critics of testamentary freedom say it can also be used to coerce and control.

From BBC • Jul. 29, 2015

Her diary usually served to record the changes she proposed making, and when the time was ripe for a new will, the diary was requisitioned for direction as to the testamentary document.

From The Diamond Pin by Wells, Carolyn