1 testimonial | Definition of testimonial

testimonial

noun
tes·​ti·​mo·​ni·​al | \ ˌte-stə-ˈmō-nē-əl How to pronounce testimonial (audio) , -nyəl\

Definition of testimonial

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a statement testifying to benefits received
b : a character reference : letter of recommendation
2 : an expression of appreciation : tribute

testimonial

adjective

Definition of testimonial (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : of, relating to, or constituting testimony
2 : expressive of appreciation or esteem a testimonial dinner

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Did You Know?

Adjective

In 1639, Scottish poet William Drummond responded to the political scene of his day by writing a facetious set of new laws, among them 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 recommended law, they provide affirmation or evidence. (Our word traces to Latin testimonium, meaning "evidence, witness.") In the 19th century, a gift presented to someone as a public expression of appreciation for service rendered became the newest version of a testimonial. Then, it was likely to be a statue or portrait. In the 20th century, we came up with testimonial dinners to show our appreciation or esteem. Testimonials (usually solicited) that endorse products or services are also a 20th-century phenomenon.

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

Customer testimonials do the same, and can qualify as a dark pattern if their source isn’t clear. Amanda Shendruk, Quartz, "These are the shady tricks shopping sites use to get your money and info," 12 Aug. 2019 Immigration attorneys filed a brief in federal court last month with testimonials from children there. CBS News, "Alex Azar says HHS is trying to reunite migrant children at Homestead center "as quickly as possible"," 28 June 2019 Along with local testimonials, high-profile celebrities are bringing attention to this wellness trend. Cindy Krischer Goodman, sun-sentinel.com, "Buyer beware: CBD products could be this century’s snake oil," 7 June 2019 But use Google to look for information on CBD oil, and one is likely to land on web pages promoting the products, with testimonials made to look like medical advice. William Thornton | [email protected], al.com, "CBD oil has made believers out of these Alabamians," 3 June 2019 Another health worker also proudly displays testimonials, except these are from the government for performing the same services that the midwife now denounces. Peter Keough, BostonGlobe.com, "When the state mandates family planning," 15 Aug. 2019 Dozens of testimonials from children at the facility were filed by attorneys in May in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, as part of a more than 600-page motion. CBS News, "All unaccompanied children removed from Homestead migrant detention facility," 3 Aug. 2019 In video testimonials, clients praise the company for saving them money. Jodi S. Cohen, ProPublica, "Parents Are Giving Up Custody of Their Kids to Get Need-Based College Financial Aid," 29 July 2019 The women offered the camera glowing testimonials about their fun-loving host. Jack Bohrer, NBC News, "Tape shows Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein discussing women at 1992 party," 17 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The CCO Crush volleyball league prides itself on being a family affair and Benitez and Poulin are a true testimonial to that reputation. Emmett Hall, sun-sentinel.com, "Cooper City Optimist Crush is a marriage made on beach volleyball courts," 15 Aug. 2019 Netflix posted a four-minute video on YouTube after some fan testimonial about how the show changed their lives, and cast members took to Twitter to talk about the charity fund. Kerry Lengel, azcentral, "‘Orange Is the New Black’ launches real-life charity named for Poussey Washington," 23 July 2019 In a testimonial, one Hilton employee cited flexibility to take care of personal issues among the reasons to love the company. Lydia Belanger, Fortune, "Millennial Workers Are Thriving in Age-Old Workplaces," 18 July 2019 That testimonial alone is enough to inspire anyone to buy this Best of Beauty Award winner, but Barrymore then offers an undeniably excellent tip for making time to use it. Marci Robin, Allure, "Drew Barrymore Has a Genius Trick for Using Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial Mask," 26 July 2019 Manchester City have announced the first group of players who will feature in captain Vincent Kompany’s testimonial, following his departure last month. SI.com, "Manchester City Announce Players to Play in Vincent Kompany's Testimonial," 11 July 2019 Often, this involves the patient testimonial video—one of the most successful marketing strategies employed by stem cell clinics. Megan Molteni, WIRED, "YouTube Testimonials Lure Patients to Shady Stem Cell Clinics," 14 June 2019 Isabella Cruise explained in her testimonial, which was shared by email with other Scientologists, that training to become an auditor had changed her life. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, "Scientology ‘indoctrinated’ Tom Cruise’s children to reject Nicole Kidman, ex-church member says," 10 July 2019 The office wanted to make the testimonial experience a little easier for victims and witnesses. Jasmine Johnson, Twin Cities, "Meet Norie, Ramsey County Attorney’s 4-legged push for a ‘more humane’ criminal justice system," 2 July 2019

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

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First Known Use of testimonial

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for testimonial

testimonial

noun

English Language Learners Definition of testimonial

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a written or spoken statement in which you say that you used a product or service and liked it
: a written or spoken statement that praises someone's work, skill, character, etc.
: an event at which someone is honored

testimonial

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of testimonial (Entry 2 of 2)

: relating to testimony and especially to legal testimony

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