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
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
The landmark ruling means that a transgender person with a certificate that recognizes them as female should not be considered a woman for equality purposes.
—Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 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
For example, a security certificate that expired in, say, 2020 could be made usable again if the system's clock is set back to 2019.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
The landmark ruling means that a transgender person with a certificate that recognizes them as female should not be considered a woman for equality purposes.
—Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 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 6 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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