testament

noun

tes·​ta·​ment ˈte-stə-mənt 

1

a

: a tangible proof or tribute

b

: an expression of conviction : creed

2

a

: an act by which a person determines the disposition of his or her property after death

b

: will

3

a

capitalized : either of two main divisions of the Bible

b

archaic : a covenant between God and the human race

testamentary

ˌte-stə-ˈmen-tə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

adjective

Synonyms

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

Examples of testament in a Sentence

The success of the album, which is only available online, is a testament to the power of the Internet.

a person's last will and testament

Recent Examples on the Web

The co-directors re-contextualize character-building circumstances, crafting a soul-stirring testament to the power of family and faith in the process. —Courtney Howard, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024

This visually stunning program about indigenous Americans is a provocative testament to a land and a people who have survived removal, exploitation and genocide – and whose best days are yet to come. —Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Apr. 2024

Stein, 76, calls the story a testament to faith and survival. —Kellie B. Gormly, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2024

At least, that appeared to be the case Saturday, as USC’s cornerbacks picked off four passes, a testament to how much of a difference size and length can make when matched with the right scheme. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2024

Dawn created it by gritting a brush between her teeth—a testament to her strength after surviving a horrible tragedy: the loss of use of her arms and legs. —Stayton Bonner, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2024

Each portrait captured not just a moment, but a legacy—a testament to the impact these athletes have left on the game and the culture. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 18 Apr. 2024

Neither stipulation has ever been enforced—a testament to the dangers of relying on a paper peace rather than conditions on the ground. —Elliott Abrams, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2024

The tour is a celebration of their individual successes and a testament to their commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the music industry. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin testamentum covenant with God, holy scripture, from Latin, last will, from testari to be a witness, call to witness, make a will, from testis witness; akin to Latin tres three & to Latin stare to stand; from the witness's standing by as a third party in a litigation — more at three, stand

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Kids Definition

testament

noun

tes·​ta·​ment ˈtes-tə-mənt 

1

capitalized : either of the two chief parts of the Bible

2

a

: actual proof : evidence

the result is testament to her determination and hard work

b

: an expression of belief : creed

3

: the legal instructions for the distribution of a person's belongings after death : will

testamentary

ˌtes-tə-ˈment-ə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

adjective

Legal Definition

testament

noun

tes·​ta·​ment ˈtes-tə-mənt 

1

: an act by which a person determines the disposition of his or her property after death

a testament of property

2

: will

Note: A testament was formerly concerned specifically with personal property, as in the phrase last will and testament. Now a will covers both personal and real property and the terms will and testament are generally synonymous, but the phrase lives on.

testamentary

ˌtes-tə-ˈmen-tə-rē 

adjective

Etymology

Latin testamentum, from testari to call as a witness, make a will, from testis witness