testament

American  

[tes-tuh-muhnt] / ˈtɛs tə mənt /

noun

1. Law.

   1. a will, especially one that relates to the disposition of one's personal property.

   2. will.

2. either of the two major portions of the Bible: the Mosaic or old covenant or dispensation, or the Christian or new covenant or dispensation.

3. (initial capital letter) the New Testament, as distinct from the Old Testament.

4. (initial capital letter) a copy of the New Testament.

5. a covenant, especially between God and humans.

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testament ¹ British  

/ ˈtɛstəmənt /

noun

1. law a will setting out the disposition of personal property (esp in the phrase last will and testament )

2. a proof, attestation, or tribute

   his success was a testament to his skills

3. 1. a covenant instituted between God and man, esp the covenant of Moses or that instituted by Christ

   2. a copy of either the Old or the New Testament, or of the complete Bible

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Testament ² British  

/ ˈtɛstəmənt /

noun

1. either of the two main parts of the Bible; the Old Testament or the New Testament

2. the New Testament as distinct from the Old

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Other Word Forms

• testamental adjective

Etymology

Origin of testament

1250–1300; Middle English: will, covenant < Latin testāmentum, equivalent to testā ( rī ) to bear witness ( testate ) + -mentum -ment

Explanation

A testament is a statement of belief. The most famous testaments are the two parts of the Christian Bible: the Old and New Testaments. A testament states a belief or gives some kind of direction. The document people leave behind at death is known as the "last will and testament." It gives lawyers directions for dividing their possessions among family and friends. Also, you could say that an A in math class is a testament to your math skills. If you give to charity, that’s a testament to your character. Any testament is a strong statement of some kind.

Example Sentences

I have a child, and I’m very much a child, and I think it’s a testament to the spirit of this home and my father’s spirit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

As a testament to the diversity of genres on display at Coachella, the festival's main stage will host influencer-turned-singer Addison Rae, as well as New York rockers The Strokes.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The aesthetics signal orderliness and a testament to the decades of social and economic tailwinds that helped to lift the fortunes of U.S. colleges after World War II.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

“The Grinch meal captured fans’ attention, a true testament to the power of the McDonald’s brand with the right marketing execution,” said McDonald’s Chief Financial Officer Ian Borden during a February earnings call.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

The kids were still enjoying the time spent with their cousins—the laughter rattling the house was testament to it.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

Related Words

• proof
• testimonial
• testimony