testimonial

1 of 2

noun

tes·​ti·​mo·​ni·​al ˌte-stə-ˈmō-nē-əl 

-nyəl

1

a

: a statement testifying to benefits received

b

: a character reference : letter of recommendation

2

: an expression of appreciation : tribute

3

: evidence, testimony

testimonial

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or constituting testimony

2

: expressive of appreciation or esteem

a testimonial dinner

Did you know?

In 1639, Scottish poet William Drummond responded to the politics of his day with a cheeky set of new laws, including one stipulating that "no man wear a ... periwig, unless he have a testimonial from a town-clerk, that he is either bald, sickly, or asham'd of white hairs." Testimonials take different forms, but always, like in Drummond's facetious law, they provide affirmation or evidence. (Testimonial traces to Latin testimonium, meaning "evidence" or "witness.") In the 19th century, testimonial developed a new use, referring to a tribute—that is, a gift presented as a public expression of appreciation. Today, testimonial is most often used to refer to a statement—such as one posted on any number of websites devoted to consumer reviews—that endorses a product or service.

Synonyms

Noun

• testimony
• evidence
• proof
• documentation
• testament

Examples of testimonial in a Sentence

Noun

He received a glowing testimonial from his former employer.

her performance in this tournament has been a testimonial to the dedication and talent she brings to the tennis court

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Include not just service details, but local testimonials, references to nearby landmarks and insights into the specific challenges residents face. —Oleg Levitas, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

One way or another, all the testimonials circled back to an abiding truth. —Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2025

Adjective

Chloe Fineman and Dakota Johnson are perfectly used in this testimonial-laden ad for Big Dumb Cups (so, Stanleys), but Gardner is the one who seems to inhabit this character down to her bones. —Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025

Brands are building reusable templates with emotionally engaging hooks, testimonial overlays and localized calls to action that can be adapted quickly. —Manuel MacHado, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for testimonial

• antimonial
• ceremonial
• matrimonial
• postcolonial
• precolonial
• anticolonial
• intercolonial
• neocolonial
• baronial
• colonial

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Kids Definition

testimonial

1 of 2 adjective

tes·​ti·​mo·​ni·​al ˌtes-tə-ˈmō-nē-əl 

: being a testimonial

testimonial

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: a recommendation of a product or service

b

: a letter of recommendation

2

: something given or said to show affection or respect : tribute