credential

[kri-den-shuhl]

noun

1. Usually credentials.

   1. evidence of authority, status, rights, entitlement to privileges, or the like, usually in written form.

      Only those with the proper credentials are admitted.

   2. Digital Technology.,  information that identifies an account and keeps it secure, as username and password.

      The IT department assigns temporary system credentials to new employees.

2. anything that provides the basis for confidence, belief, credit, etc.

verb (used with object)

credentialed, credentialing , credentialled, credentialling .

1. to grant credentials to, especially educational and professional ones.

   She has been credentialed to teach math.

adjective

1. providing the basis for confidence, belief, credit, etc.

credential

/ krɪˈdɛnʃəl /

noun

1. something that entitles a person to confidence, authority, etc

2. (plural) a letter or certificate giving evidence of the bearer's identity or competence

adjective

1. entitling one to confidence, authority, etc

Other Word Forms

• uncredentialed adjective
• credentialed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of credential¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English credencial, from Medieval Latin crēdenti(a); credence, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of credential¹

C16: from Medieval Latin crēdentia credit, trust; see _credence

Example Sentences

Moreover, the anti-imperial credentials of the bloc are suspect, considering Russia’s interference in its “near abroad,” China’s position toward Taiwan, India’s efforts in Kashmir and the Saudi war in Yemen.

Read more on Salon

The cleanup sites, including Parcel C, are still fenced off, and only those with authorized credentials are allowed onto the property.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It first needs to find $25 billion from "sponsor" governments wanting to burnish their conservation credentials and willing to take the first hit should the fund suffer losses.

Read more on Barron's

Having recorded 17 double faults and 75 unforced errors in her opening loss to Pegula on Sunday, the 21-year-old demonstrated her title credentials in an assured performance.

Read more on BBC

If the polls are correct, both states will elect Democratic governors who can claim plausible mainstream credentials and a political philosophy to the right of Che Guevara.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• affidavit 
• authentication 
• authorization 
• certification 
• coupon 
• deed 
• diploma 
• documentation 
• guarantee 
• license 
• paper 
• permit 
• receipt 
• ticket 
• voucher 
• warrant 
• warranty