credential
Americannoun
-
Usually credentials.
-
evidence of authority, status, rights, entitlement to privileges, or the like, usually in written form.
Only those with the proper credentials are admitted.
-
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.
-
-
anything that provides the basis for confidence, belief, credit, etc.
verb (used with object)
adjective
noun
-
something that entitles a person to confidence, authority, etc
-
(plural) a letter or certificate giving evidence of the bearer's identity or competence
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of credential
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English credencial, from Medieval Latin crēdenti(a); see credence, -al 1
Explanation
A credential is something that’s proof of a claim you make about yourself or your skills. You might earn a credential in computer networking that lets employers know that you’re qualified to do the job. A credential can be a particular qualification that you earn or it can refer more generally to achievements or qualities that you’ve acquired over time. You’ll most often see the word credential used in its plural form: credentials. You typically refer to your credentials to show that you're qualified to do something. Your strong academic credentials might qualify you to work as an assistant at a hip magazine during the summer.
Vocabulary lists containing credential
Believe It or Not: Cred
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Things They Carried
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Astronauts
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“There are credentials that are offered legally that don’t help move someone along,” said Scott Cheney, Credential Engine’s CEO.
From Washington Post • Dec. 26, 2021
Credential harvesting typically refers to stealing sensitive account information such as usernames and passwords.
From Fox News • Aug. 14, 2021
Over 200 private and public organizations recently joined the Vaccination Credential Initiative, a coalition that aims to standardize how vaccine data is recorded and protected.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 5, 2021
In 1979, the sociologist Randall Collins published “The Credential Society,” which was recently reissued by Columbia.
From The New Yorker • Sep. 2, 2019
Credential identified: "Solicitor, registered with the Law Society to practice in England and Wales, also registered in Australia."
From Eastern Standard Tribe by Doctorow, Cory
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
