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

Nevertheless, lots of ink continues to be spilled, and lots of podcasts streamed, to justify or not the operatic credentials of “West Side Story.”

From Los Angeles Times

It is very early days, of course, but this felt like a timely test of Arsenal's credentials as title challengers that the Gunners found a way to pass.

From BBC

The number of credentials fell sharply in the wake of the pandemic, but there were signs of improvement this year.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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