testimonial

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 21, 2024 is: testimonial \tess-tuh-MOH-nee-ul\ noun A testimonial is a written or spoken statement in which a person says they used a product or service and liked it, or that they appreciate someone's work, skill, character, etc. Testimonial is also used as a synonym of [evidence](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evidence) and [testimony](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/testimony). // The website is full of testimonials from satisfied customers. // The book's popularity is a testimonial to its timeliness. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/testimonial) Examples: "To commemorate their successful journey in the sport, the team released a heartfelt tribute video featuring testimonials from team members sharing their fondest memories." — Lydia Mee, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 Did you know? In 1639, Scottish poet [William Drummond](https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Drummond-of-Hawthornden) responded to the politics of his day with a [cheeky](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheeky) set of new laws, including one stipulating that "no man wear a ... [periwig](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/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](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/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.