credenza

noun

cre·​den·​za kri-ˈden-zə 

1

: credence sense 3

2

: a sideboard, buffet, or bookcase patterned after a Renaissance credence

especially : one without legs

Illustration of credenza

• credenza 2

Did you know?

In Italian credenza means “belief” or “confidence,” and confidence is just what a member of a noble or royal household needed before eating in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Being poisoned by one’s enemies was an ever-present danger. As a result, it was customary for members of royal or noble families to have a servant taste their food and drink after it left the kitchen and before it was served. The tasting was done at a dining room sideboard, and the name of the sideboard became credenza in Italian.

Examples of credenza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Disguised as a midcentury modern credenza or storage chest, this Murphy bed, made with real wood, saves infinitely more space than a traditional wall unit. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 May 2026

Framed family photos and a black ceramic panther sit on the credenza. —Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026

The Art Deco features—the sconces, the sleek sofas, the credenzas, the tiled fireplace—all make a truly impressive backdrop for some exquisite people watching. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026

Among other documents released was an image from Epstein’s home showing a series of photographs along a credenza and in drawers. —Collin Binkley, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, literally, belief, confidence, from Medieval Latin credentia

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for credenza

• cadenza
• influenza
• parainfluenza