Meaning & use

notary

noun·Academic

A public official authorized to witness signatures, certify documents, and administer oaths.

See it in a sentence

You will need a notary to witness your signature on the property deed.

The bank has a notary on staff to certify documents for customers free of charge.

A note on using this word

In the United States, notaries mainly verify identity and witness signatures rather than draft documents.

Words with a similar meaning

notary public

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