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

Agyemang incorporated those cues via statement pieces made out of natural materials like an oak credenza designed by Leanne Ford for Crate and Barrel, and a white marble plinth coffee table to center the main area. —Indya Brown, Essence, 5 June 2024

Its inventory includes a vintage lacquered credenza for more than $2,000. —Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024

Piper recalls one client who didn’t know what to do with a mid-century credenza. —Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024

Nicole Dianne Photography In the entry, the dark front door was replaced and a floating credenza and mirror were added. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 25 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1