Definition of testimony
testimonies
1a : a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public officialb : firsthand authentication of a fact : evidencec : an outward sign
2a : an open acknowledgmentb : a public profession of religious experience
3a (1) : the tablets inscribed with the Mosaic law (2) : the ark containing the tabletsb : a divine decree attested in the Scriptures
From the M-W Editors
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 of testimony from the Web
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After that testimony became public in 2015, more women came forward and a new set of prosecutors took another look at the case and arrested Cosby.
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Comey, who succeeded Mueller as the FBI’s chief in 2013, reportedly met with him earlier this week in preparation for the committee hearing to ensure his testimony would not interfere with Mueller’s inquiry.
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The committee on Wednesday issued seven subpoenas seeking testimony and information in its investigation into Russian activities during the election.
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After Woods' testimony concluded, Persin introduced evidence that a search of court records turned up no divorce filing.
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After hearing 45 minutes of testimony, Judge Lockett voiced his opinion on the matter.
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The judge also won’t allow the defense to introduce details about Castile’s alleged past marijuana use or his arrest and driving record, but if testimony addresses those issues, the defense can ask the judge to reconsider. ___
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During the hearing, one of the men waived his right to a preliminary hearing and provided testimony about the beating, admitting to his role in it but also naming a co-defendant as the instigator.
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Instead, testimony from Mr. Trump’s top economic advisers cast even darker shadows over a murky legislative process that has fallen well behind schedule.
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.
Origin and Etymology of testimony
Middle English testimonie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin testimonium Decalogue, from Latin, evidence, witness, from testis witness — more at testament
Other Legal Terms
TESTIMONY Defined for English Language Learners
testimony
playDefinition of testimony for English Language Learners
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: something that someone says especially in a court of law while formally promising to tell the truth
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: proof or evidence that something exists or is true
TESTIMONY Defined for Kids
testimony
playDefinition of testimony for Students
testimonies
: a statement made by a witness under oath especially in a court
Law Dictionary
testimony
playLegal Definition of testimony
testimonies
: 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) Editor's 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 Editor's 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 Editor's 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
testimonially
adverbOrigin and Etymology of testimony
Latin testimonium, from testis witness
Learn More about testimony
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See words that rhyme with testimony Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for testimony Spanish Central: Translation of testimony Nglish: Translation of testimony for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of testimony for Arabic speakers
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