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In 1639, Scottish poet William Drummond responded to the politics of his day with a cheeky 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 facetious 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—such as one posted on any number of websites devoted to consumer reviews—that endorses a product or service.
Examples of testimonial in a Sentence
Andrey Insarov, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Without knowing why the foundation paid her, Faulk’s video casts some doubt over her motive for providing a testimonial, said Bob Jarvis, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University.
—Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025
Margaret Coker, ProPublica, 14 May 2025
Under some conditions, testimonial evidence is also admissible to prove innocence in post-conviction cases.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for testimonial
Cite this Entry
“Testimonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/testimonial. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
testimonial
1 of 2 adjective
testimonial
2 of 2 noun
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