credenza
kruh-DEN-zuh
/krɪˈdɛnzə/
A low, sleek sideboard or cupboard, typically used in offices or dining rooms for storage and display.
Implies a modern, low-profile design, often with sliding doors and no legs (or very short legs), commonly used to hold office equipment or dining ware.
The story behind the word. In medieval Italy, food prepared for royalty was placed on a side table to be tasted by a trusted servant to ensure it was not poisoned. This act of testing for safety was called 'credenza' (belief or trust), and the name eventually transferred to the table itself.
Word relationships
- sideboard: A sideboard is typically used in dining rooms and often has higher legs and a more traditional, heavy appearance.
- buffet: A buffet is specifically designed for serving food in a dining room and is usually taller than a credenza.
Commonly confused with
- console: A console is a narrow table meant to stand against a wall, whereas a credenza is a deep cabinet with storage doors.
Collocations
- office credenza
- walnut credenza
- low-profile credenza
Example sentences
- "The executive kept her printer and important files neatly tucked away inside the sleek walnut credenza behind her desk." An office setting description.
Memory hook
You can 'trust' (credit/credenza) this cabinet to hold your most valuable documents and office supplies. Credenza: The cabinet of trust.
When not to use
Do not use for tall, heavy wardrobes or rustic, high-legged kitchen cabinets.
Fun facts
- The word credenza shares the exact same linguistic root as 'credibility' and 'credentials' because of its history with royal food tasters.
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