testimonial

American  

[tes-tuh-moh-nee-uhl] / ˌtɛs təˈmoʊ ni əl /

noun

1. a written declaration certifying to a person's character, conduct, or qualifications, or to the value, excellence, etc., of a thing; a letter or written statement of recommendation.

2. something given or done as an expression of esteem, admiration, or gratitude.

---

adjective

1. pertaining to or serving as a testimonial.

   a testimonial dinner for the retiring dean.

testimonial British  

/ ˌtɛstɪˈməʊnɪəl /

noun

1. 1. a recommendation of the character, ability, etc, of a person or of the quality of a consumer product or service, esp by a person whose opinion is valued

   2. ( as modifier )

      testimonial advertising

2. a formal statement of truth or fact

3. a tribute given for services or achievements

4. a sports match to raise money for a particular player

---

adjective

1. of or relating to a testimony or testimonial

Usage

Testimonial is sometimes wrongly used where testimony is meant: his re-election is a testimony (not a testimonial ) to his popularity with his constituents

Etymology

Origin of testimonial

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Late Latin word testimōniālis. See testimony, -al ¹

Explanation

A testimonial is like a personal recommendation. If you give a testimonial on behalf of a restaurant, then you really like that restaurant. If you've seen the word testimony — meaning spoken evidence in court — then you might have a clue to the meaning of testimonial. Like testimonies, a testimonial is evidence or proof of something good: getting an A in math is a testimonial to your math skills. Testimonials can also be a spoken or written endorsement of something: You might write a testimonial about the awesome cupcakes on your favorite bakery's website, for example.

Example Sentences

On its website, Swarmer cited a testimonial from Mykhailo Fedorov, the Ukrainian defense minister, who praised its capabilities.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

Because a testimonial is not really going to hit the same.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Even then, though, the publication cautioned that “all leads developed through hypnosis should be verified with supporting physical or testimonial evidence … and investigative conclusion should not be based solely on hypnotically obtained information.”

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2026

Some investigations, the inspector general’s office wrote, did not include “a thorough description of physical and testimonial evidence,” and investigators “did not appear to interview all potential involved persons” in some cases.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2025

Would he be expected to do a testimonial at the end?

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

• endorsement
• homage
• ovation
• remembrance
• testament
• testimony