testament

noun

tes·​ta·​ment ˈte-stə-mənt How to pronounce testament (audio)
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 adjective

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 word itself is a testament to resilience and resistance: the Hazara identity of the family is crucial to understand the struggle of the family for justice. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024 Part of that response is a testament to how much our cities, and by extension, our lives are designed around cars. Andrew Kersley, WIRED, 19 Mar. 2024 Her ability to seamlessly transition between classical, musical theater, and pop is a testament to her musical prowess and adaptability. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 To the European Union, the mandate, set to take effect next year, is a testament to the bloc’s role as a global leader on climate change. Patricia Cohen Jes Aznar, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 The exterior is a testament to the skill of Van der Valk’s aluminum shapers and welders. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 The reunion of these two lifelong friends over the weekend was deeply moving, a testament to their enduring bond. Paloma Chavez, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2024 The yacht’s timeless lines and contemporary features are a testament to RWD Design’s forward-thinking philosophy. Gemma Harris, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 This win is a testament to the power of our voices. Bill Chappell, NPR, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'testament.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of testament was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near testament

Cite this Entry

“Testament.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/testament. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

testament

noun
tes·​ta·​ment ˈtes-tə-mənt How to pronounce testament (audio)
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 adjective

Legal Definition

testament

noun
tes·​ta·​ment ˈtes-tə-mənt How to pronounce testament (audio)
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 adjective
Etymology

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

More from Merriam-Webster on testament

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