cre·den·tial
kri-ˈden(t)-shəl
: warranting credit or confidence
—used chiefly in the phrase credential letters
1
: something that gives a title to credit or confidence
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
credentialed also credentialled; credentialing also credentialling
: to furnish with credentials
… to credential adequate academic performance …—K. Patricia Cross
journalists who have been credentialed by the Secret Service
Cite this Entry
“Credential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/credential. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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