cer·tif·i·cate
(ˌ)sər-ˈti-fi-kət 
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
cer·tif·i·cate
(ˌ)sər-ˈti-fə-ˌkāt
certificated; certificating
: to testify to or authorize by a certificate
especially
: certify sense 4
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
Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025
Her accomplishments include earning AVID awards, earning her Red Cross babysitting basics certificate, an Exceptional Seagull Award and Breakfast of Champions Award in humanities at her school.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
Dewan Rai, Outside Online, 19 Sep. 2022
About 15 classified and certificated employees spoke at the meeting to loud applause about why their positions were critical to helping students and running the school district efficiently.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for certificate
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Noun
The program formally allows students to apply for a visa to study in the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed the school, however, its certificate had been revoked.
—Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025
Her accomplishments include earning AVID awards, earning her Red Cross babysitting basics certificate, an Exceptional Seagull Award and Breakfast of Champions Award in humanities at her school.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
Verb
The Nepal government, which issues certificates for successful summits, has yet to make an official statement.
Guides and climbers told Outside that other factors are contributing to the sizable crowds on the mountain.
—Dewan Rai, Outside Online, 19 Sep. 2022
About 15 classified and certificated employees spoke at the meeting to loud applause about why their positions were critical to helping students and running the school district efficiently.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for certificate
Cite this Entry
“Certificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certificate. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
certificate
1 of 2 noun
cer·tif·i·cate
sər-ˈti-fi-kət
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 document—U.S. Code
U.S. Code3
: 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
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
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