plural witnesses
1
a
: a person who sees something (such as a crime) happen
a murder witness
—often + toHe was a witness to a robbery.
b
law
: a person who makes a statement in a court about what he or she knows or has seen
The defense/prosecution called its first witness to the stand.
a witness for the defense/prosecution
a character witness [=a person who can say whether someone is honest, has a good character, etc.]
2
: a person who is present at an event (such as a wedding) and can say that it happened
His aunt and uncle were witnesses at his baptism.
There must be two witnesses present when she signs the document.
3
US
: a statement of a person's religious beliefs
They gave witness to their faith. [=declared their belief in a god or religion]
witnesses; witnessed; witnessing
1
: to see (something) happen
Several people witnessed the accident.
We are witnessing a historic moment.
2
law
: to be present at (an event) in order to be able to say that it happened : to act as a legal witness of (something)
He witnessed the signing of her will.
3
: to be the time or place when (something) happens
The past decade has witnessed many new advances in medical research. [=many new advances have occurred in the past decade]
The industry is witnessing a gradual decline in sales. [=sales are declining in the industry]
4
—used to say that something is an example of or is proof of something
The economy is improving—witness the decrease in unemployment. [=the decrease in unemployment shows that the economy is improving]
5
US
: to make a public statement about your religious beliefs
a chance to witness for the Lord
speakers witnessing to their faith [=stating what they believe]
Cite this Entry
“Witness.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/witness. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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