certificate

1 of 2

noun

cer·​tif·​i·​cate (ˌ)sər-ˈti-fi-kət 

1

: a document containing a certified statement especially as to the truth of something

specifically : a document certifying that one has fulfilled the requirements of and may practice in a field

2

: something serving the same end as a certificate

3

: a document evidencing ownership or debt

a stock certificate

certificate

2 of 2

verb

cer·​tif·​i·​cate (ˌ)sər-ˈti-fə-ˌkāt 

certificated; certificating

transitive verb

: to testify to or authorize by a certificate

especially : certify sense 4

certificatory

(ˌ)sər-ˈti-fi-kə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

Noun

• certification
• document
• instrument

Examples of certificate in a Sentence

Noun

She has a certificate in midwifery.

He earned his teaching certificate last year.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Eligible recipients will receive an official certificate from the Recording Academy. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025

On behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, Judah Region District Archaeologist Semyon Gendler praised Ziv and her family for reporting the discovery, with the child also being awarded a certificate of appreciation for good citizenship. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Verb

About 15 classified and certificated employees spoke at the meeting to loud applause about why their positions were critical to helping students and running the school district efficiently. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025

Google, for example, offers a $49/month data analytics certificate as part of Grow with Google. —Morgan Smith, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English certificat, from Medieval Latin certificatum, from Late Latin, neuter of certificatus, past participle of certificare to certify

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1802, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing certificate

• birth certificate
• certificate of deposit
• death certificate
• gift certificate
• marriage certificate
• silver certificate
• stock certificate

Kids Definition

certificate

noun

cer·​tif·​i·​cate

(ˌ)sər-ˈtif-i-kət

1

: a document that is proof of some fact

especially : one showing that a person has fulfilled the requirements of a school or profession

teaching certificate

2

: a document showing ownership

stock certificate

bond certificate

Legal Definition

certificate

1 of 2 noun

cer·​tif·​i·​cate sər-ˈti-fi-kət 

1

a

: a document containing a certified statement especially as to the truth of something

a birth certificate

b

: a document certifying that a person has fulfilled the requirements of and may practice in a specified field

a teaching certificate

2

: certification

the signature…constitutes a certificate that the attorney or party has read the document

—U.S. Code

3

: a document that is proof of ownership or indebtedness

stock certificates

gold certificates

certificate

2 of 2 transitive verb

cer·​tif·​i·​cate sər-ˈti-fi-ˌkāt 

certificated; certificating

: to testify or authorize by a certificate

especially : to recognize as having met special qualifications (as of a governmental agency or professional board) within a field see also certificated security at security

certificatory

-kə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective