credenza

American  

[kri-den-zuh] / krɪˈdɛn zə /

noun

1. Also a sideboard or buffet, especially one without legs.

2. a closed cabinet for papers, office supplies, etc., often of desk height and matching the other furniture in an executive's office.

3. Ecclesiastical. credence.

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credenza British  

/ krɪˈdɛnzə /

noun

1. another name for credence table

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Etymology

Origin of credenza

1875–80; < Italian < Medieval Latin crēdentia (in ecclesiastical usage) a sideboard for holding sacramental vessels; see credence

Compare meaning

How does credenza compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• sideboard vs. credenza

Explanation

The fancy cupboard in which your grandparents display their good china can be called a credenza. Another word for a "sideboard," a credenza is a piece of furniture with drawers and a flat top. Credenza is an Italian word, a fancier way to say "cupboard." It's a common item of furniture in dining rooms, a place where tablecloths, napkins, dishes, and silverware are stored. The name shares its root with credence, which today means "acceptance of something as true," but originally meant "testing food for poison before serving it," once a necessity in royal households. And the credenza? It was the table on which food was set before being tested.

Example Sentences

Notably, one credenza in the home featured photos of Epstein with politicians, celebrities and businessmen.

From Salon • Aug. 5, 2025

Any console table, credenza or cabinet that’s in the room where you plan to entertain can work.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2024

A sitar case leaned against the credenza housing her record player.

From New York Times • Jan. 23, 2024

He turned off all the lights and lit black candelabras, which flickered atop his credenza.

From Slate • May 27, 2023

I turn from the cabinet and go to the credenza that takes up a large portion of the living room wall.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson

Related Words

• cupboard