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
Leah Fabel, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Apr. 2024
The Fund expects to mail subscription certificates evidencing the Rights and a copy of the prospectus for the Offer to Record Date Stockholders within the United States shortly following the Record Date.
—Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2024
But the law changed that year to allow parents to educate their children without a teaching certificate.
—Allison Torres Burtka and Hannah Dellinger, Detroit Free Press, 5 Apr. 2024
This lets shoppers accumulate cash rewards on select purchases for up to $750 per year, and the cash back is rewarded as a certificate (which operates like a gift card) that can only be spent in-store.
—Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024
Before long, though, semiconductor manufacturing companies will need technicians, engineers and others requiring training that ranges from certificates and two-year degrees to bachelor’s degrees and Ph.D.s.
CEO: C-suite news, analysis, and advice for top decision makers right to your inbox.
—Matt Gandal, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
In the United States, pilots cannot apply for a Federal Aviation Administration certificate or license for up to one year after a final conviction.
—Andrew Jeong, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024
As the name suggests, this certificate not only requires the farming practices to protect the environment, but also to work to rehabilitate it.
—Christopher Marquis, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Without a certificate, users had no right to use the well.
—The Arizona Republic, 27 Mar. 2024
Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2024
Within the next two years, changes will take effect in the law governing the all-important family registry certificates that every Japanese citizen must hold.
—Hikari Hida, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023
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
Noun
Options like part-time course loads, online classes, and short certificate programs can stymie consistent attendance and participation.
—Leah Fabel, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Apr. 2024
The Fund expects to mail subscription certificates evidencing the Rights and a copy of the prospectus for the Offer to Record Date Stockholders within the United States shortly following the Record Date.
—Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2024
But the law changed that year to allow parents to educate their children without a teaching certificate.
—Allison Torres Burtka and Hannah Dellinger, Detroit Free Press, 5 Apr. 2024
This lets shoppers accumulate cash rewards on select purchases for up to $750 per year, and the cash back is rewarded as a certificate (which operates like a gift card) that can only be spent in-store.
—Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024
Before long, though, semiconductor manufacturing companies will need technicians, engineers and others requiring training that ranges from certificates and two-year degrees to bachelor’s degrees and Ph.D.s.
CEO: C-suite news, analysis, and advice for top decision makers right to your inbox.
—Matt Gandal, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
In the United States, pilots cannot apply for a Federal Aviation Administration certificate or license for up to one year after a final conviction.
—Andrew Jeong, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024
As the name suggests, this certificate not only requires the farming practices to protect the environment, but also to work to rehabilitate it.
—Christopher Marquis, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Without a certificate, users had no right to use the well.
—The Arizona Republic, 27 Mar. 2024
Verb
How to make the move: Germany’s skilled worker visa allows certain individuals with a qualifying degree or certificate a six-month window to search for employment in their area of qualification.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2024
Within the next two years, changes will take effect in the law governing the all-important family registry certificates that every Japanese citizen must hold.
—Hikari Hida, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023
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
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
Phrases Containing certificate
Dictionary Entries Near certificate
Cite this Entry
“Certificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certificate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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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
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
More from Merriam-Webster on certificate
Nglish: Translation of certificate for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of certificate for Arabic Speakers
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