testimonial

American  

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

noun

• testimonials
  plural

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.

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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

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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

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• testimonials
  plural

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

See Examples For:

testimonial testimonials

In other words, they must be made at the same time as the testimonial or endorsement, whether it’s in a brochure, advertisement, video presentation or social media.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 24, 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

Then for all the world like we were at testimonial time at the Baptist church with forty-five people listening besides God, he commenced to pray.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Khan said the ICC investigation included witness accounts, testimonials and corroborative evidence such as videos, photographs and forensic evidence.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

The testimonials from judges on the CJP website are anonymous.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 2026

“Where we don’t have research, clinical trials, what we’ve got a ton of, is, shall we say, testimonials, patient affidavits, attesting to the wonders of the drug,” said Scott Brunner, the alliance’s chief executive officer.

From Salon ● Apr. 4, 2026

“Compensation for testimonials or endorsements could include such things as offering reduced management fees in exchange for introductions or referrals,” it says.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 24, 2026

While I was more than willing to give testimonials for my comrades, I did not want to take any action that would heighten the bitterness between the ANC, the PAC, and the BCM.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

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