# notary

/ˈnoʊtɝi/ (US) · /nˈəʊtəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/notary
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

an official who has the legal power to watch you sign important papers. They check your identity and sign the document too to prove it is real.

For teachers: a public official authorised to witness the signing of legal documents and to administer oaths. Primarily serves to verify the identity of signatories and ensure the authenticity of a transaction.

## Examples

- The bank needs a notary to witness your signature.
- Before the property sale could be finalised, both parties had to meet with a notary to sign the deed.
- In many jurisdictions, the presence of a notary is a statutory requirement for the execution of powers of attorney and other instruments that carry significant legal weight.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the phrase 'notary public'.

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