character witness

noun

: a person who gives evidence in a legal action concerning the reputation, conduct, and moral nature of a party

Examples of character witness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Combs’ children were his strongest character witness. — Essence, 7 Oct. 2025

The character witnesses ranged from Busfield's kindergarten friends to neighbors, former costars and family members. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026

Besides the brothers, three character witnesses also testified for the defense, including neighbor Julie Kerksick. — Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 4 Nov. 2025

The prosecution presented witnesses and dozens of exhibits; Roundtree called only three character witnesses and introduced a single exhibit—Crump himself. — Joan Hibler, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for character witness

• eyewitness
• unfitness
• fitness

Legal Definition

character witness

see also:

witness