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

The new restrictions were set out in a briefing note sent to members of the press, which they will be required to sign in order to maintain their Pentagon press credentials.

From BBC

Her credentials: “I had been to every casting office in New York as an actor.”

From Los Angeles Times

They have embellished those spreadsheet credentials with their deeds on the pitch too.

From BBC

Canada underlined their title credentials with a superb performance against Australia on Saturday.

From BBC

Meanwhile, Latinas with at least a bachelor’s degree have a median wage of $30 an hour, which amounts to the lowest wage among all workers with similar credentials in the county.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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