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 facetious 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 faux 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 that endorses a product or service.

Synonyms

Noun

• attestation
• confirmation
• corroboration
• documentation
• evidence
• proof
• substantiation
• testament
• testimony
• validation
• voucher
• witness

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

How Makeup Went Mainstream Makeup was associated with prostitution and vice until the early 20th century, when movie actresses's cosmetics testimonials reached everyday women. —JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2024

One of the timer’s most convincing testimonials is that over 10,000 people have purchased it in the last month alone. —Melissa Epifano, Peoplemag, 15 June 2024

Adjective

Bolden agreed and denied both Lee’s motion to amend his answer and his motion for summary judgment on the basis of absolute testimonial immunity. —David R. Cameron, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2024

Years later, in 1950, the whole family attended a testimonial dinner in Owens’ honor, marking Rankin and Prather's first time getting a real look into the feats of their father. —Madeleine Janz, Peoplemag, 20 June 2024

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

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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