testimony

noun

tes·ti·mo·ny | \ ˈte-stə-ˌmō-nē

plural testimonies

Definition of testimony

1a : a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public official

b : firsthand authentication of a fact : evidence

c : an outward sign

2a : an open acknowledgment

b : a public profession of religious experience

3a(1) : the tablets inscribed with the Mosaic law

(2) : the ark containing the tablets

b : a divine decree attested in the Scriptures

Other Words from testimony Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about testimony

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of testimony in a Sentence

The jury heard 10 days of testimony. There were contradictions in her testimony. the personal testimonies of survivors of the war It is testimony to her courage and persistence that she worked for so long in the face of such adversity. The popularity of diet fads is a testimony to the fact that people want a quick fix for their health and weight problems.

Recent Examples on the Web

The prosecution relied heavily on Wilds’s testimony against Syed, and on location data from Syed’s cellphone records. — Emma Dibdin, Harper's BAZAAR, "A Complete Timeline of The Case Against Adnan Syed," 31 Mar. 2019 Often times, women rely on the testimonies of close friends to steer them to the best stylist. — Joy Sewing, Houston Chronicle, "New app makes finding a hairstylist easier for women of color," 3 July 2018 The Peterson case also relied heavily on the testimony of an expert in blood spatter analysis, a form of science that has come under scrutiny in recent years. — Andrea Valdez, WIRED, "Top Stories in June 2018: An Alternate Theory About 'The Staircase'," 30 June 2018 Even though the moment was definitely tense, the segment ended with Meghan and Joy both agreeing that everyone just needs to wait and see what becomes of Michael's testimony. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "'The View' Star Meghan McCain Snapped at Producers After Getting in Trouble for Swearing," 14 Jan. 2019 Sources on the Hill told Fox News that the force of a subpoena was not necessary and that the committee plans to bring Strzok back in the near future for public testimony, something the president said was necessary. — Brooke Singman, Fox News, "Peter Strzok grilled for hours on Capitol Hill over any involvement in start of Russia probe," 2 Oct. 2018 Voice quivering but resolute, Dr. Ford gave a testimony that was detailed, emotional, convincing, and often very hard to hear. — Cady Drell, Marie Claire, "9 Powerful Quotes from Christine Blasey Ford's Hearing," 27 Sep. 2018 The House Judiciary Committee issued a subpoena for Page's testimony earlier this week. — Devlin Barrett And Karoun Demirjian, chicagotribune.com, "Maligned FBI agent denies accusations of bias against Trump before House committees," 12 July 2018 The House Judiciary Committee issued a subpoena for Page's testimony earlier this week. — Anchorage Daily News, "House GOP threatens key witness in FBI probes with contempt," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'testimony.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about testimony

Dictionary Entries near testimony

testimonialize

testimonial of the great seal

Statistics for testimony

Last Updated

16 May 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for testimony

The first known use of testimony was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for testimony

testimony

noun

English Language Learners Definition of testimony

: something that someone says especially in a court of law while formally promising to tell the truth

: proof or evidence that something exists or is true

See the full definition for testimony in the English Language Learners Dictionary

testimony

noun

tes·ti·mo·ny | \ ˈte-stə-ˌmō-nē

plural testimonies

Kids Definition of testimony

: a statement made by a witness under oath especially in a court

testimony

noun

tes·ti·mo·ny | \ ˈtes-tə-ˌmō-nē

plural testimonies

Legal Definition of testimony

: evidence furnished by a witness under oath or affirmation and either orally or in an affidavit or deposition

— former testimony

: testimony that a witness gives at a different proceeding (as another hearing or a deposition)

Note: Under Federal Rule of Evidence 804, former testimony is admissible as an exception to the hearsay rule when the declarant is unavailable and if a predecessor in interest in a civil proceeding or the party against whom the testimony is offered had an opportunity and similar motive to develop the testimony.

— negative testimony

: testimony concerning what did not happen especially : testimony concerning what one did not perceive negative testimony that the witness did not hear a train whistle

Note: Negative testimony is sometimes accorded the same weight as positive testimony when the witness was in a position to perceive something and was eagerly attentive.

— opinion testimony

: testimony relaying opinion as opposed to direct knowledge of the facts at issue

Note: Opinion testimony may be allowed in evidence when it helps the factfinder understand or determine the facts at issue. Such testimony by a lay witness must be rationally based on his or her perception. A qualified expert witness may also give opinion testimony. The expert's opinion may be based on facts or data that he or she perceives directly or of which he or she is made aware other than by direct perception at or before trial.

— positive testimony

: testimony that presents an affirmative declaration of fact and is based on the personal knowledge of the testifier

— reputation testimony

: testimony concerning a person's reputation among associates or in the community