certificate

1 of 2

noun

cer·​tif·​i·​cate (ˌ)sər-ˈti-fi-kət How to pronounce certificate (audio)
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

certificate

2 of 2

verb

cer·​tif·​i·​cate (ˌ)sər-ˈti-fə-ˌkāt How to pronounce certificate (audio)
certificated; certificating

transitive verb

: to testify to or authorize by a certificate
especially : certify sense 4
certificatory adjective

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
Noun
Then the township will decide whether to move forward with a zoning certificate. Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 29 Feb. 2024 In Qatar, migrant workers often find themselves in a vulnerable position to protest against passport confiscation, wage theft, and employers’ demand for a no objection certificate (NOC). Samindra Kunti, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The restaurant will open four to six weeks after receiving its certificate of occupancy, estimated to come in late March. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2024 The pair found that records of its old security certificates linked the domain to a Linux server in Germany. Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 26 Feb. 2024 The agency is known for its meticulous selection process for dental clinics to ensure all the facilities possess health tourism authorization certificates and adhere to global standards. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 Here is a breakdown of CMA certificates in recent years. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024 This course does not provide a certificate or reduction in car insurance premiums. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2024 The Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional certificate is for professionals who want to document their ability to lead or support regulatory compliance and ERM initiatives. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 18 Feb. 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

Dictionary Entries Near certificate

Cite this Entry

“Certificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certificate. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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 How to pronounce certificate (audio)
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 documentU.S. Code
3
: 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 How to pronounce certificate (audio)
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
certificatory adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on certificate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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