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
cer·tif·i·cate
(ˌ)sər-ˈti-fə-ˌkāt
certificated; certificating
: to testify to or authorize by a certificate
especially
: certify sense 4
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
Patrick Smith, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
Their electoral certificates must be received by the Senate and the national archivist by Dec. 25.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
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 
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Noun
Chemung County Executive Chris Moss displayed certificates at a news conference Tuesday showing both animals had tested negative.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
Their electoral certificates must be received by the Senate and the national archivist by Dec. 25.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 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
Dictionary Entries Near certificate
Cite this Entry
“Certificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certificate. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal 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
U.S. Code3
: 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
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