certificate

1 of 2

noun

cer·​tif·​i·​cate (ˌ)sər-ˈti-fi-kət How to pronounce certificate (audio)
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 How to pronounce certificate (audio)
certificated; certificating

transitive verb

: to testify to or authorize by a certificate
especially : certify sense 4
certificatory adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Chesebro allegedly orchestrated the plan to file the fake elector certificates, and Troupis, Trump’s attorney in Wisconsin, is accused of assisting him in organizing the fake electors. Andi Shae Napier, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Dec. 2024 Many prospective undergraduates pursue continuing education via trade and vocational schools, certificate programs, career boot camps, internships and volunteer work to gain essential skills. Allie Danziger, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
How to make the move: Germany’s skilled worker visa allows certain individuals with a qualifying degree or certificate a six-month window to search for employment in their area of qualification. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2024 Within the next two years, changes will take effect in the law governing the all-important family registry certificates that every Japanese citizen must hold. Hikari Hida, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for certificate 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of certificate was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near certificate

Cite this Entry

“Certificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certificate. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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 How to pronounce certificate (audio)
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 documentU.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 How to pronounce certificate (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on certificate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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