certificate

1 of 2

noun

cer·​tif·​i·​cate (ˌ)sər-ˈti-fi-kət How to pronounce certificate (audio)
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

certificate

2 of 2

verb

cer·​tif·​i·​cate (ˌ)sər-ˈti-fə-ˌkāt How to pronounce certificate (audio)
certificated; certificating

transitive verb

: to testify to or authorize by a certificate
especially : certify sense 4
certificatory adjective

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
Noun
Ensure the product has undergone third-party lab testing, and the company provides certificates of analysis (COAs) to verify the product's safety and potency. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Sep. 2023 The bonds would include $24.5 million in taxable certificates of obligation toward the airport’s corporate hangar project and customs facility, both to be repaid with airport revenues. Haeven Gibbons, Dallas News, 6 Sep. 2023 Lifetime access comes with unlimited domains, add-on domains, subdomains, email boxes, MySQL databases, and SSL certificates. Stackcommerce Team, PCMAG, 4 Sep. 2023 Further complicating that plan are motions for a speedy trial filed earlier his month by Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, two of the attorneys alleged to have helped Trump carry out a plot to fabricate state elector certificates. Matt Ford, The New Republic, 31 Aug. 2023 New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut all require a safe boating certificate, and Maine recently passed a law that will require it beginning next year. Nick Stoico, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Aug. 2023 Copies of important paperwork: Keep photocopies of important household paperwork such as proof of address, driver's license, insurance, adoption papers, or naturalization certificates. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2023 According to the certificate, Chase died of acute liver failure, a variceal bleed, and liver cirrhosis. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Aug. 2023 Shafer also served as a fake elector, signing the certificate himself. Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 23 Aug. 2023
Verb
After the call, campaign officials circulated language to add to the Pennsylvania elector certificates to be submitted to Washington asserting that the votes were intended to count only if Trump prevailed in litigation in the state. Amy Gardner, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Aug. 2023 And in contrast to the handwritten vaccine certificates that Americans must keep safe, Indians can download their proof of vaccination at any time, alongside an outsize photograph of Modi to remind them who deserves their grateful votes. Vinay Sitapati, Foreign Affairs, 24 Nov. 2021 Such measurable outcomes include the number of degrees and certificates a college awards; the number of students who transfer to a four-year university; and the number of students who complete at least 15 hours of courses that apply toward academic and workforce program requirements. Valeria Olivares, Dallas News, 9 June 2023 Arthur Walker, procurement director at Wayne County, said business owners that want to work with the county need to have general liability insurance and a fair employment practices certificate. Detroit Free Press, 27 May 2023 Can certificate programs help bridge the gap to better employment, and help companies fill labor shortages? Ira Porter, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 May 2023 Some have likely since earned a high school degree or GED certificate even if they have not been officially accounted for in the K-12 system, said Maria Clayton, a spokesperson for the state Department of Education. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2023 In open session, the board approved a 6.56 percent raise for classified management, certificated management, non-represented employees, supervisory and confidential employees for 2022-23, retroactive to July 1, 2022. Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2023 The board also approved a one-time, 3 percent bonus for classified and certificated staff except the superintendent. Laura Groch feb. 19, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'certificate.' 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

Noun

Middle English certificat, from Medieval Latin certificatum, from Late Latin, neuter of certificatus, past participle of certificare to certify

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of certificate was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near certificate

Cite this Entry

“Certificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certificate. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

certificate

noun
cer·​tif·​i·​cate
(ˌ)sər-ˈtif-i-kət
1
: a document that is proof of some fact
especially : one showing that a person has fulfilled the requirements of a school or profession
teaching certificate
2
: a document showing ownership
stock certificate
bond certificate

Legal Definition

certificate

1 of 2 noun
cer·​tif·​i·​cate sər-ˈti-fi-kət How to pronounce certificate (audio)
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 documentU.S. Code
3
: 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 How to pronounce certificate (audio)
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
certificatory adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on certificate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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