testament

UK: 'testament', 'Testament': /ˈtɛstəmənt/

US: /ˈtɛstəmənt/

US: (tes′tə mənt)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

tes•ta•ment /ˈtɛstəmənt/   n. [countable]

1. Law a legal document that specifies how one's personal property shall be given away after one's death;
   a will.
2. something that proves the existence of something else;
   a proof:
   a testament to his hard work.

See -test-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

tes•ta•ment  (tes′tə mənt), n. 

1. Law
   • a will, esp. one that relates to the disposition of one's personal property.
   • will² (def. 8).
2. Bible 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. Bible (cap.) the New Testament, as distinct from the Old Testament.
4. Bible (cap.) a copy of the New Testament.
5. a covenant, esp. between God and humans.

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

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

testament / ˈtɛstəmənt/ noun

1. a will setting out the disposition of personal property (esp in the phrase last will and testament)
2. a proof, attestation, or tribute
3. a covenant instituted between God and humankind, esp the covenant of Moses or that instituted by Christ
4. a copy of either the Old or the New Testament, or of the complete Bible

Etymology: 14th Century: from Latin: a will, from testārī to bear witness, from testis a witness

ˌtestaˈmental adjective

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

Testament / 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