certification

noun

cer·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌsər-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce certification (audio)
Synonyms of certificationnext
1
: the act of certifying : the state of being certified
2
: a certified statement

Synonyms of certification

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Examples of certification in a Sentence

the certification of the vote She had to wait until her certification as a nurse before she could start her new job. The certifications of nine teachers were revoked. The school offers scuba diving certification.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The certification was delayed as Boeing addressed technical issues and heightened regulatory scrutiny following two crashes involving the larger Max 8 that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 The certification — and several more Boeing is targeting this year — are crucial in getting the company back to profitability, after two fatal crashes months apart in 2018 helped European rival Airbus pull ahead in global plane deliveries. — semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Boeing has said certification of that aircraft should follow, though deliveries of both jets are not expected until next year. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 The three-year program lets selected companies and states test eVTOLs before obtaining FAA certification first. — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for certification

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of certification was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing certification

Rhymes for certification

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Browse Nearby Words

certificate of public convenience and necessity
certification
certification mark
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Cite this Entry

“Certification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certification. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

certification

noun
cer·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌsərt-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce certification (audio)
: the act of certifying : the state of being certified
psychiatrists with subspecialty board certification in geriatrics—Gary Kennedy

Legal Definition

certification

noun
cer·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌsər-ti-fi-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce certification (audio)
1
a
: the act of certifying
b
: the state of being certified see also certiorari

Note: Certification of an interlocutory decision by a trial court allows an appellate court to review the decision and to answer a controlling question of law. Certification is often used in state courts as well as federal courts and, where available, allows a federal court to refer a question of state law to the state's highest court. Certification is also used to refer to a judge's order that allows a suit to be maintained as a class action.

2
: a certified statement

More from Merriam-Webster on certification

Nglish: Translation of certification for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about certification

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