credential

1 of 3

adjective

cre·​den·​tial kri-ˈden(t)-shəl How to pronounce credential (audio)
: warranting credit or confidence
used chiefly in the phrase credential letters

credential

2 of 3

noun

1
: something that gives a title to credit or confidence
also : qualification sense 3a
the applicant with the best credentials
2
credentials plural : testimonials or certified documents showing that a person is entitled to credit or has a right to exercise official power
a doctor's credentials
3

credential

3 of 3

verb

credentialed also credentialled; credentialing also credentialling

transitive verb

: to furnish with credentials
… to credential adequate academic performance …K. Patricia Cross
journalists who have been credentialed by the Secret Service

Examples of credential in a Sentence

Noun My experience as a manager is my strongest credential.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Today’s students are often adult learners, career changers, or working nurses seeking advanced credentials—technology makes their pursuit of education possible. Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 Justice Department leadership has in recent months hired lawyers with conservative credentials from law firms in Washington and with past experience at state and local government agencies. Eric Tucker, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
Verb
The All England Club might not credential me for even suggesting it, or even thinking about it. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025 Candidates — or their committees — can't credential challengers. Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 30 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for credential

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see credence

Noun

see credence

Verb

see credence

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of credential was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Credential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/credential. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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