testimonial

1 of 2

noun

tes·​ti·​mo·​ni·​al ˌte-stə-ˈmō-nē-əl 

-nyəl

1

a

: a statement testifying to benefits received

b

: a character reference : letter of recommendation

2

: an expression of appreciation : tribute

3

: evidence, testimony

testimonial

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or constituting testimony

2

: expressive of appreciation or esteem

a testimonial dinner

Did you know?

In 1639, Scottish poet William Drummond responded to the politics of his day with a facetious set of new laws, including one stipulating that "no man wear a ... periwig, unless he have a testimonial from a town-clerk, that he is either bald, sickly, or asham'd of white hairs." Testimonials take different forms, but always, like in Drummond's faux law, they provide affirmation or evidence. (Testimonial traces to Latin testimonium, meaning "evidence" or "witness.") In the 19th century, testimonial developed a new use, referring to a tribute—that is, a gift presented as a public expression of appreciation. Today, testimonial is most often used to refer to a statement that endorses a product or service.

Synonyms

Noun

• attestation
• confirmation
• corroboration
• documentation
• evidence
• proof
• substantiation
• testament
• testimony
• validation
• voucher
• witness

Examples of testimonial in a Sentence

Noun

He received a glowing testimonial from his former employer.

her performance in this tournament has been a testimonial to the dedication and talent she brings to the tennis court

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

To commemorate their successful journey in the sport, the team released a heartfelt tribute video featuring testimonials from team members sharing their fondest memories. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

For instance, an email to prospective students might discuss how the school helps first-year students find students with similar interests and link to a video with reassuring testimonials from actual students. —Alex Nikdel, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Adjective

But if Face or Touch ID had been enabled on Adams’ device, the FBI potentially could have unlocked his phone with biometrics — which aren’t typically considered a form of testimonial evidence. —Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 2 Oct. 2024

And Kay’s rebuttal provided a testimonial, free of charge, for YES’ booth. —Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 29 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

testimonial

1 of 2 adjective

tes·​ti·​mo·​ni·​al ˌtes-tə-ˈmō-nē-əl 

: being a testimonial

testimonial

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: a recommendation of a product or service

b

: a letter of recommendation

2

: something given or said to show affection or respect : tribute