Credit Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en_US"> <head>  <title>Credit Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary</title> <meta name="description" content="CREDIT meaning: 1 : money that a bank or business will allow a person to use and then pay back in the future; 2 : a record of how well you have paid your bills in the past">  <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta property="fb:app_id" content="177288989106908"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> <meta property="og:type" content="article" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Credit Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary" /--> <meta property="og:title-unsanitized" content ="Credit Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary" /> <meta property="og:description" content="CREDIT meaning: 1 : money that a bank or business will allow a person to use and then pay back in the future; 2 : a record of how well you have paid your bills in the past" /--> <meta property="og:description-unsanitized" content ="CREDIT meaning: 1 : money that a bank or business will allow a person to use and then pay back in the future; 2 : a record of how well you have paid your bills in the past" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/credit" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://merriam-webster.com/assets/ld/logos/LearnersLogo.png" /> <meta property="twitter:card" content="summary" /> <meta property="twitter:site" content="@Britannica" /> <meta property="twitter:title" content="Credit Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary" /> <meta property="twitter:description" content="CREDIT meaning: 1 : money that a bank or business will allow a person to use and then pay back in the future; 2 : a record of how well you have paid your bills in the past" /> <meta property="twitter:image" content="https://merriam-webster.com/assets/ld/logos/LearnersLogo.png" /> <script async src="https://dLfLNghY49Lmt957x.ay.delivery/manager/dLfLNghY49Lmt957x" type="text/javascript" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></script> <script type="text/javascript" data-type="googletags"> var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.pubads().setTagForChildDirectedTreatment(0); googletag.pubads().setTagForUnderAgeOfConsent(0); }); </script>  <link rel="search" type="application/opensearchdescription+xml" href="/opensearch.xml" title="Britannica Dictionary" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/credit" />  <link rel="shortcut icon" href="/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon"> <link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon">  <link href="/dictionary/eb/vendor/normalize.2.1.2/normalize.min.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" /> <link href="/dictionary/eb/vendor/font-awesome-4.0.3/css/font-awesome.min.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" /> <link href="/dictionary/eb/vendor/amodal_1.6.5/amodal.min.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" /> <link href="/dictionary/eb/vendor/jquery-ui-1.10.3.custom/css/smoothness/jquery-ui-1.10.3.custom.min.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" />  <link href="/dictionary/eb/css/shared/mw_style.0001.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" /> <link href="/dictionary/eb/css/shared/utils.0002.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" /> <link href="/dictionary/eb/css/shared/reusable.0002.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" /> <link href="/dictionary/eb/css/shared/resets.0001.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" />  <link href="/dictionary/eb/css/main_template.0018.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" />  <script id="ns_script_dc" data-key="12ca4747-8e80-4a36-b550-dc239c18b954" data-e="5" src="//includemodal.global.ssl.fastly.net/sp.js" type="text/javascript" async></script>  <script src="/dictionary/eb/vendor/modernizr.2.7.1/modernizr.custom.95871.js"></script>  <script src="/dictionary/eb/vendor/jquery.1.11.2/jquery-1.11.2.min.js"></script>  <script type="text/javascript"> window.mwdata = {}; window.mwdata.assetsDomain2 = 'https://merriam-webster.com/assets'; window.mwdata.env = 'production'; window.mwdata.gatReady = false; window.mwdata.gatQueue = []; window.mwdata.tagsPrepped = []; window.mwdata.gTagReady = false; window.mwdata.dfpSvcUp = false; </script>  <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { if (typeof window.headertag === 'undefined' || window.headertag.apiReady !== true) { window.headertag = googletag; } }); </script>  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-W5CJ3FB');</script>  <script src="/dictionary/eb/vendor/requirejs.2.1.6/require.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> //define jquery define('jquery', function() { return window.jQuery}); //The reason I use js for path construction here - Google reports crawl errors var vnd = '/dictionary/eb/vendor/'; var fwdsl = '/'; requirejs.config({ enforceDefine: false, paths: { //Our modules 'auth_messages': '/dictionary/eb/js/lib/assign_errors.0002', 'uniqueId': '/dictionary/eb/js/lib/uniqueId.0001', 'dynScript': '/dictionary/eb/js/lib/dynScript.0001', 'main': '/dictionary/eb/js/components/main.0001', 'facebookApi': '/dictionary/eb/js/components/facebookApi.0001', 'search': '/dictionary/eb/js/components/search.0001', 'wodSubscribe': '/dictionary/eb/js/lib/wodSubscribe', //Vendor modules "jquery.jqueryui": vnd + 'jquery-ui-1.10.3.custom' + fwdsl + 'js' + fwdsl + 'jquery-ui-1.10.3.custom.min', "underscore": vnd + 'lodash_1.2.1' + fwdsl + 'lodash.min', "jquery.event_drag": vnd + 'amodal_1.6.5' + fwdsl + 'jquery.event.drag.min', "jquery.amodal": vnd + 'amodal_1.6.5' + fwdsl + 'amodal.min', "jquery.blockui": vnd + 'blockui_2.6.1' + fwdsl + 'jquery.blockUI', "bowser": vnd + 'bowser.0.3.1' + fwdsl + 'bowser.min', "jquery.cookie": vnd + 'jquery_cookie_1.4.0' + fwdsl + 'jquery.cookie', 'matchMedia': '/dictionary/eb/vendor/match-media/matchMedia', //non-AMDs "twitter": '//platform.twitter.com/widgets', "jquery.cycle2": vnd + 'cycle2' + fwdsl + 'jquery.cycle2.20130909.min', "jquery.rrssb": vnd + 'rrssb.1.6.0' + fwdsl + 'js' + fwdsl + 'rrssb.min' }, shim: { "jquery.cycle2": ['jquery'], "jquery.event_drag": ['jquery'], "jquery.amodal": ['jquery.event_drag'], "jquery.jqueryui": ['jquery'], "jquery.rrssb": ['jquery'] } }); </script>   <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-296234-17"></script>  <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); let googleAnalyticsConfig = {}; let isHomePage = 'false'; let definitionPage = 'true'; let isAudioPopup = ''; if (isHomePage === 'true') { googleAnalyticsConfig.page_path = "/DICTIONARY/HOMEPAGE"; } else if (definitionPage === 'true') { googleAnalyticsConfig.page_path = '/DICTIONARY/DEFINITION' + location.pathname.substring(location.pathname.indexOf('/dictionary/') + 11) } else if (isAudioPopup === 'true') { googleAnalyticsConfig.page_path = '/DICTIONARY/FEATURE' + location.pathname.substring(location.pathname.indexOf('/dictionary/') + 14) + window.location.search; } else { // feature page - page is not a home page and not a definiton page // includes: Ask the Editor, WOD, Archived WOD, Quizzes, Vocab, etc. googleAnalyticsConfig.page_path = '/DICTIONARY/FEATURE' + location.pathname.substring(location.pathname.indexOf('/dictionary/') + 14); } gtag('config', 'UA-296234-17', googleAnalyticsConfig); // gtag('config', 'G-ZNW8DQHCKM'); </script> </head> <body class="arial_font cm_ld">  <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-W5CJ3FB" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>   <script>require(['facebookApi']);</script>  <div id="wrap_full"> <div id="wrap_c">  <div id="wrap_cl" class="ld_xs_hidden noprint">  <div id="main-logo-container"> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary"><img src="/dictionary/eb/images/logos/LearnersLogo.png" alt="An Encylopedia Britannica Company" /></a> </div> <div class="abl abl-m0-t160-d160 ld_xs_hidden"> <div class="ad_slot_left" id="ad_slot_left"></div> </div> </div>  <div id="wrap_cr">   <div class="mobile_top noprint box_sizing ld_xs_visible ld_lg_hidden"> <div class="toppest">   <a class="globe_logo" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary"><img src="/dictionary/eb/images/logos/LearnersLogo.png" class=" box_sizing"></a>  <div class = "main_title"> <a class="tt" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary">The Britannica Dictionary</a> <a class="tb" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary">mobile search</a> </div> </div>  <div class="ld_searchc_m_plusb_w box_sizing"> <div class="ld_searchc_m_plusb box_sizing">  <ul class="m_menu_ul box_sizing"> <li class="home"> <img src="/dictionary/eb/images/m_menu/ld_menu_icon_home_teal.png" /> <a href="/">Home</a> </li> <li class="qa"> <img src="/dictionary/eb/images/m_menu/ld_menu_icon_qa_teal.png" /> <a href="/dictionary/eb/qa/archives">Ask the Editor</a> </li> <li class="wod"> <img src="/dictionary/eb/images/m_menu/ld_menu_icon_cal_teal.png" /> <a href="/dictionary/eb/word-of-the-day">Word of the Day</a> </li> <li class="quizzes ld_xs_hidden"> <img src="/dictionary/eb/images/m_menu/ld_menu_icon_vocabquiz_teal.png" /> <a href="/dictionary/eb/quizzes">Quizzes</a> </li> <li class="words_3000"> <img src="/dictionary/eb/images/m_menu/ld_menu_icon_3k_teal.png" /> <a href="/dictionary/eb/3000-words">Core Vocabulary</a> </li> <li class="browse_dictionary"> <img src="/dictionary/eb/images/m_menu/ld_menu_icon_dictionary.svg" /> <a href="/dictionary/eb/browse/a">Browse the Dictionary</a> </li>  </ul>  <div id = "ld_searchc_m" class="box_sizing"> <div class="frm box_sizing">  <a href="#" class="m_menu_btn box_sizing"> <i class="fa fa-bars"></i> <div class="prick"></div> </a>  <div class="ld_search_inp_c box_sizing"> <input autocapitalize="off" type="text" name="ld_search_inp" class="box_sizing ld_search_inp_c ld_search_inp" maxlength="200" rows=1 placeholder="Search for a word" value="credited" /> </div>  <i class="fa fa-search fa-flip-horizontal search_btn box_sizing"></i>  <span class="clear_btn">×</span>  <div class="autocomplete_holder_m box_sizing"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <div id="wrap_cr_t" class="ld_xs_hidden noprint box_sizing"> <div class="abl abl-m0-t728-d728 ld_xs_hidden"> <div class="ad_slot_top" id="ad_slot_top"></div> </div> </div>  <div id="wrap_cr_b" class="box_sizing">  <div id="wrap_cr_bl" class="box_sizing">  <div class="desktop_top box_sizing ld_xs_hidden ld_lg_visible noprint">  <div class="section-links noprint"> <ul> <li class="britannica-home_link"> <a class="nmlink" href="https://www.britannica.com/">Britannica Homepage</a> </li> <li class="ask_the_editor_link"> <a class="nmlink" href="/dictionary/eb/qa/archives">Ask the Editor</a> </li> <li class="word_of_the_day_link"> <a class="nmlink" href="/dictionary/eb/word-of-the-day">Word of the Day</a> </li> <li class="quizzes_link"> <a class="nmlink" href="/dictionary/eb/quizzes">Quizzes</a> </li> <li class="words_3000_link"> <a class="nmlink" href="/dictionary/eb/3000-words">Core Vocabulary</a> </li>  <li class="browse_dictionary"> <a class="nmlink" href="/dictionary/eb/browse/a">Browse the Dictionary</a> </li>  </ul> </div>  <div id="main_title" class="georgia_font noprint"> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary"> <span>The Britannica Dictionary</span> </a> </div>  <div id="ld_searchc_d" class="box_sizing noprint"> <div class="frm box_sizing"> <input type="text" name="ld_search_inp" class="ld_search_inp box_sizing " maxlength="200" rows=1 placeholder="Search for a word" value="credit" /> <div class="autocomplete_holder_d"></div> </div> <button class="search_btn"></button> </div> </div>   <link href="/dictionary/eb/css/entries/all.0007.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" /> <link href="/dictionary/eb/css/entries/definition.0025.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" />  <h1 id="ld_entries_v2_mainh" class="georgia_font box_sizing ld_xs_hidden"> credit</h1> <div id="ld_entries_v2_others_block" class="ld_xs_hidden box_sizing"> <div class = "o_count"> 1 ENTRIES FOUND: </div> <ul class="o_list verdana_font"> <li>   <a href="#ld_entry_v2_jumplink_credit_2" class="ld_entry_v2_jumplink">credit<span> (verb)</span></a> </li> </ul> </div> <div id="ld_entries_v2_all">   <div class="entry entry_v2 boxy">    <div class = "hw_d hw_0 boxy m_hidden">  <span class = "hw_txt gfont"> <sup class="homograph">1</sup> credit </span>   <span class = "hpron_word ifont">/<span class="smark">ˈ</span>krɛdɪt/</span> <a href = "#" class="fa fa-volume-up hpron_icon play_pron" data-word="credit" data-dir="c" data-file="credit01" data-pron="ˈkrɛdɪt" data-lang="en_us"></a>  <span class="fl">noun</span> </div>   <div class = "hw_infs_d m_hidden">  <span class = "i_label">plural</span>  <span class = "i_text">credits</span>  </div>   <div class = "hw_m hw_0 boxy d_hidden">  <div class = "hw_line">  <span class = "hw_txt"> <sup class="homograph">1</sup> credit </span>   <a href = "#" class="fa fa-volume-up hpron_icon play_pron" data-word="credit" data-dir="c" data-file="credit01" data-pron="ˈkrɛdɪt" data-lang="en_us"></a> </div>  <div class = "text_prons"> <span class = "hpron_word ifont">/<span class="smark">ˈ</span>krɛdɪt/</span> </div>  <div class="fl">noun</div> </div>   <div class = "hw_infs_m d_hidden">  <span class = "i_label">plural</span>  <span class = "i_text">credits</span>  </div>  <div class="dline m_hidden"> <span class="vfont">Britannica Dictionary definition of CREDIT</span> </div>      <div class = "sblocks"> <div class = "sblock sblock_entry">  <div class="sblock_c">  <strong class="sn_block_num">1 </strong>  <div class = "scnt">  <div class = "sblock_labels">      <span class="sgram">[<span class="sgram_internal">noncount</span>]</span>    </div> <div class="sense">  <strong class="sn_letter">a </strong>             <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">money that a bank or business will allow a person to use and then pay back in the future</span>                  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">banks that extend <em class="mw_spm_it">credit</em> to the public</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">Some banks will charge a fee if you go over your <span class="mw_spm_phrase">credit limit</span>. [=if you spend more money than the bank has agreed to let you use]</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>      <span class = "snote">  <div class = "both_text"> ◊ If you buy something <span class="mw_spm_phrase">on credit</span>, you take it and promise to pay for it later. </div>  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">Back then, stores allowed their customers to buy food <em class="mw_spm_it">on credit</em>.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div> </span>       </div> <div class="sense">  <strong class="sn_letter">b </strong>             <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">a record of how well you have paid your bills in the past</span>                  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">How's your <em class="mw_spm_it">credit</em>?</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">Do you have good <em class="mw_spm_it">credit</em>? [=have you paid back money you owe, paid your bills when they are due, etc.?]</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">You need to have a strong <span class="mw_spm_phrase">credit history</span> and a good job in order to get a mortgage.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>  </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class = "sblock sblock_entry">  <div class="sblock_c">  <strong class="sn_block_num">2 </strong>  <div class = "scnt">  <div class = "sblock_labels">      <span class="sgram">[<span class="sgram_internal">count</span>]</span>    </div> <div class="sense">  <strong class="sn_letter">a </strong>             <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">an amount of money that is added to an account</span>                  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">A <em class="mw_spm_it">credit</em> of $50 was added to your account.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>        <span class = "dxs dxs_nonl"> — <span class = "dx"> opposite <a href='/dictionary/debit' class='dx_link'>debit</a> </span> </span>     </div> <div class="sense">  <strong class="sn_letter">b </strong>             <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">an amount of money that is subtracted from the amount that must be paid</span>                  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">Families with children in college will receive a <span class="mw_spm_phrase">tax credit</span> this year. [=the amount that they owe in taxes will be reduced]</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>  </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class = "sblock sblock_entry">  <div class="sblock_c">  <strong class="sn_block_num">3 </strong>  <div class = "scnt">  <div class = "sblock_labels">         </div> <div class="sense">        <span class = "sgram">[<span class = "sgram_internal">noncount</span>]</span>       <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">praise or special attention that is given to someone for doing something or for making something happen</span>                  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">All the <em class="mw_spm_it">credit</em> must go to the play's talented director.</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">She's finally getting the <em class="mw_spm_it">credit</em> she deserves.</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">He shared the <em class="mw_spm_it">credit</em> with his parents.</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">You've got to give her <em class="mw_spm_it">credit</em>; she knows what she's doing.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>      — <span class = "un_text">often + <em class="mw_spm_it">for</em></span>  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">They were given <em class="mw_spm_it">credit for</em> the discovery.</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">He didn't actually write the essay, but he got <em class="mw_spm_it">credit for</em> it.</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">You have to give us <em class="mw_spm_it">credit for</em> trying. We did the best we could.</div> </li> <li class = "vi collapsible"> <div class="vi_content">She never took <em class="mw_spm_it">credit for</em> her achievements.</div> </li> <li class = "vi collapsible"> <div class="vi_content">Party leaders took/claimed <span class="mw_spm_phrase">full credit for</span> the country's progress. [=they claimed that they alone caused the country's progress]</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>            <span class = "snote">  <div class = "both_text"> ◊ If you <span class="mw_spm_phrase">give credit where credit is due</span> you praise someone who deserves to be praised. </div>  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">In receiving this award, I must <em class="mw_spm_it">give credit where credit is due</em> and acknowledge all the people who helped me.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div> </span>       </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class = "sblock sblock_entry">  <div class="sblock_c">  <strong class="sn_block_num">4 </strong>  <div class = "scnt">  <div class = "sblock_labels">         </div> <div class="sense">        <span class = "sgram">[<span class = "sgram_internal">noncount</span>]</span>       <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">a good opinion that people have about someone or something</span>             <span class = "snote">  <div class = "both_text"> ◊ Someone or something that <span class="mw_spm_phrase">brings credit to you</span> or <span class="mw_spm_phrase">does you credit</span> causes people to think of you in favorable way. </div>  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">She is a talented journalist who has <em class="mw_spm_it">brought credit to</em> the newspaper.</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">The fact that administrators fired the offending teacher immediately <em class="mw_spm_it">does</em> the school <em class="mw_spm_it">credit</em>.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div> </span>           <span class = "snote">  <div class = "both_text"> ◊ Something that is <span class="mw_spm_phrase">to your credit</span> causes people to have a more favorable opinion of you. </div>  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">It's <em class="mw_spm_it">to her credit</em> that she admitted her mistake.</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content"><em class="mw_spm_it">To his credit</em>, Mr. Smith has offered to pay for the damages.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div> </span>           <span class = "snote">  <div class = "both_text"> ◊ Something that <span class="mw_spm_phrase">does you no credit</span> causes people to have a less favorable opinion of you. </div>  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">It <em class="mw_spm_it">does them no credit</em> to continue fighting over this issue.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div> </span>       </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class = "sblock sblock_entry">  <div class="sblock_c">  <strong class="sn_block_num">5 </strong>  <div class = "scnt">  <div class = "sblock_labels">         </div> <div class="sense">        <span class = "sgram">[<span class = "sgram_internal">singular</span>]</span>       <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">a source of honor or pride for someone or something</span>             — <span class = "un_text">used in the phrase <span class="mw_spm_phrase">a credit to</span></span>  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">You are <em class="mw_spm_it">a credit to</em> your family and your country.</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">He's an excellent athlete and <em class="mw_spm_it">a credit to</em> the sport.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>        </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class = "sblock sblock_entry">  <div class="sblock_c">  <strong class="sn_block_num">6 </strong>  <div class = "scnt">  <div class = "sblock_labels">         </div> <div class="sense">      <span class="bnote">credits</span>   <span class = "sgram">[<span class = "sgram_internal">plural</span>]</span>       <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">a list of the names of the people who have worked on or performed in a movie, television program, etc.</span>                  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">the movie's opening/closing <em class="mw_spm_it">credits</em></div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">Her name was listed in the <em class="mw_spm_it">credits</em>.</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">We always stay to watch the <em class="mw_spm_it">credits</em>.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>  </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class = "sblock sblock_entry">  <div class="sblock_c">  <strong class="sn_block_num">7 </strong>  <div class = "scnt">  <div class = "sblock_labels">         </div> <div class="sense">  <strong class="sn_letter">a </strong>             <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">a unit that measures a student's progress towards earning a degree in a school, college, etc.</span>        <div class="def_labels"> <span class = "wsgram">[<span class = "wsgram_internal">count</span>]</span> </div>                     <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">So far, you've earned a total of 12 <em class="mw_spm_it">credits</em>.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="def_labels"> <span class = "wsgram">[<span class = "wsgram_internal">noncount</span>]</span> </div>                     <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">Our program gives academic <em class="mw_spm_it">credit</em> for working with several social service organizations.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>  </div> <div class="sense">  <strong class="sn_letter">b </strong>       <span class = "sgram">[<span class = "sgram_internal">noncount</span>]</span>       <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">the amount of points earned for work done on a test, exam, project, etc.</span>                  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">Students will only receive partial <em class="mw_spm_it">credit</em> for correct answers that are not written as complete sentences.</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">To earn <span class="mw_spm_phrase">full credit</span> [=the total amount of points possible] you must include at least three maps with your project.</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">Answer this last question correctly for <span class="mw_spm_phrase">extra credit</span>.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>      — <span class = "un_text">sometimes used figuratively.</span>  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">They deserve respect for making the event happen, and they get <em class="mw_spm_it">extra credit</em> for doing it in a way that included everyone.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>        </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>   <div class = "dros"> <div class ="dro" data-id="1839"> <div class="dro_line">  <h2 class ="dre">on the credit side</h2>        </div>    <div class = "sblocks"> <div class = "sblock sblock_dro">  <div class="sblock_c">  <strong class="sn_block_num">1 </strong>  <div class = "scnt">  <div class = "sblock_labels">         </div> <div class="sense">         <span class = "ssla">chiefly British</span>      <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">in the section of a financial record where credits are written</span>                  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">Enter these amounts <em class="mw_spm_it">on the credit side</em>.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>  </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class = "sblock sblock_dro">  <div class="sblock_c">  <strong class="sn_block_num">2 </strong>  <div class = "scnt">  <div class = "sblock_labels">         </div> <div class="sense">                  — <span class = "un_text">used when mentioning the things that you like about something</span>  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content"><em class="mw_spm_it">On the credit side</em>, the restaurant offers a wide range of choices.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>        </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  </div> </div>     </div>  <div class="entry entry_v2 boxy" id = 'ld_entry_v2_jumplink_credit_2'>    <div class = "hw_d hw_1 boxy m_hidden">  <span class = "hw_txt gfont"> <sup class="homograph">2</sup> credit </span>   <span class = "hpron_word ifont">/<span class="smark">ˈ</span>krɛdɪt/</span>  <span class="fl">verb</span> </div>   <div class = "hw_infs_d m_hidden">   <span class = "i_text">credits<span class="semicolon">;</span></span>    <span class = "i_text">credited<span class="semicolon">;</span></span>    <span class = "i_text">crediting</span>  </div>   <div class = "hw_m hw_1 boxy d_hidden">  <div class = "hw_line">  <span class = "hw_txt"> <sup class="homograph">2</sup> credit </span>   </div>  <div class = "text_prons"> <span class = "hpron_word ifont">/<span class="smark">ˈ</span>krɛdɪt/</span> </div>  <div class="fl">verb</div> </div>   <div class = "hw_infs_m d_hidden">   <span class = "i_text">credits<span class="semicolon">;</span></span>    <span class = "i_text">credited<span class="semicolon">;</span></span>    <span class = "i_text">crediting</span>  </div>  <div class="dline m_hidden"> <span class="vfont">Britannica Dictionary definition of CREDIT</span> </div>     <div class = "labels">   <span class = "gram">[<span class = "gram_internal">+ object</span>]</span>  </div>  <div class = "sblocks"> <div class = "sblock sblock_entry">  <div class="sblock_c">  <strong class="sn_block_num">1 </strong>  <div class = "scnt">  <div class = "sblock_labels">         </div> <div class="sense">  <strong class="sn_letter">a </strong>             <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">to add (an amount of money) to a total</span>                  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">Your payment of $38.50 has been <em class="mw_spm_it">credited</em> to your account.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>        <span class = "dxs dxs_nonl"> — <span class = "dx"> opposite <a href='/dictionary/deduct' class='dx_link'>deduct</a> </span> </span>     </div> <div class="sense">  <strong class="sn_letter">b </strong>             <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">to add money to (an account)</span>                  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">The bank is <em class="mw_spm_it">crediting</em> your account for the full amount.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>        <span class = "dxs dxs_nonl"> — <span class = "dx"> opposite <a href='/dictionary/debit' class='dx_link'>debit</a> </span> </span>     </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class = "sblock sblock_entry">  <div class="sblock_c">  <strong class="sn_block_num">2 </strong>  <div class = "scnt">  <div class = "sblock_labels">         </div> <div class="sense">  <strong class="sn_letter">a </strong>             <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">to give honor or recognition to (someone or something) for doing something or for making something happen</span>                  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">The team's players all <em class="mw_spm_it">credit</em> their coach [=they say their coach is responsible] for helping them succeed.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>      — <span class = "un_text">often + <em class="mw_spm_it">with</em></span>  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">She <em class="mw_spm_it">credits</em> her family <em class="mw_spm_it">with</em> her success.</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">He was <em class="mw_spm_it">credited with</em> saving their lives.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>        </div> <div class="sense">  <strong class="sn_letter">b </strong>             <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">to say that (something) is because of someone or something</span>         <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">to give credit for (something) <em class="mw_spm_it">to</em> someone or something</span>                  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">She <em class="mw_spm_it">credits</em> [=<em class="mw_spm_it">attributes</em>] her success <em class="mw_spm_it">to</em> her family's support.</div> </li> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">They <em class="mw_spm_it">credited</em> the rescue <em class="mw_spm_it">to</em> his quick thinking.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>  </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class = "sblock sblock_entry">  <div class="sblock_c">  <strong class="sn_block_num">3 </strong>  <div class = "scnt">  <div class = "sblock_labels">         </div> <div class="sense">              <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">to think of (someone) as having a particular quality or effect</span>             — <span class = "un_text">usually used as <em class="mw_spm_it">(be) credited</em></span>  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">She <em class="mw_spm_it">is credited</em> as (being) the first woman to play the sport professionally.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>        </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class = "sblock sblock_entry">  <div class="sblock_c">  <strong class="sn_block_num">4 </strong>  <div class = "scnt">  <div class = "sblock_labels">         </div> <div class="sense">         <span class = "ssla">chiefly British</span>      <span class="bc">:</span>             <span class="def_text">to believe that (something) is true</span>                  <div class = "vis_w"> <ul class = "vis collapsed"> <li class = "vi"> <div class="vi_content">It's hard to <em class="mw_spm_it">credit</em> that anyone would want to buy this old car.</div> </li> </ul> <div class = "vi_more d_hidden"> <a href="#"> <span class="d_p">[+] more examples</span> <span class="d_m">[-] hide examples</span> <span class="m_p">[+] Example sentences</span> <span class="m_m">[-] Hide examples</span> </a> </div> </div>  </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>       </div> </div>  <script type="text/javascript"> var saveMe = false; var bestMatch = {"dict_type":"az","hw_text_no_syllables":"credit","eidNH":"credit","eid":"credit[2]","uid":"credit[2]_az","isv2":false,"hw_homograph":"2","fl":"verb","search_type":"hw_inf","search_value":"credited"}; require(['search'], function(search) { search.init(null, saveMe, bestMatch); }); </script> </div>  <div id="wrap_cr_br" class="box_sizing ld_xs_hidden noprint"> <div class="abl abl-m0-t300-d300 ld_xs_hidden"> <div class="ad_slot_right_top" id="ad_slot_right_top"></div> </div> <div id = "wrap_rbr_c" class="box_sizing">  <link href="/dictionary/eb/css/qa/siderail.0001.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" />  <div id="qa_siderail">  <div class="area_header verdana_font margin_bottom_10"> ASK THE EDITOR </div>  <table class="cont"> <tr> <td class="qa_content_r"> <div class="question"> <a class="arial_font" href="/dictionary/eb/qa/The-Plurals-of-Check-In-Passerby-and-Spoonful-compound-nouns" title="Question text">What are the plural forms of <em class="mw_spm_it">check-in</em>, <em class="mw_spm_it">passerby</em>, and <em class="mw_spm_it">spoonful</em>?</a> </div> <div class="find_answer"> <a href="/dictionary/eb/qa/The-Plurals-of-Check-In-Passerby-and-Spoonful-compound-nouns" class="helvetica_font">See the answer »</a> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div>  <link href="/dictionary/eb/css/quizzes/siderail.0001.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" />  <div id="quizzes_r">  <div class="area_header verdana_font margin_bottom_10"> QUIZZES </div>  <div class="main_content"> <div class="feature_quiz"> <div class="quiz_icon"> <a href="/dictionary/eb/quiz/vocabulary-start"><img src="/dictionary/eb/images/quizzes/vocabulary-quiz-70x55.gif" alt="Vocabulary Quiz Icon" /></a> </div> <div class="quiz_content"> <div class="title georgia_font"> <a href="/dictionary/eb/quiz/vocabulary-start">Vocabulary Quiz</a> </div> <div class="descr"> <a href="/dictionary/eb/quiz/vocabulary-start">Test your word power</a> </div> <div class="passthru_url"> <a href="/dictionary/eb/quiz/vocabulary-start">Take the Quiz »</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="athletics-dots margin_top_4 margin_bottom_8"></div> <div class="feature_quiz"> <div class="quiz_icon"> <a href="/dictionary/eb/quiz/name-that-thing-start"><img src="/dictionary/eb/images/quizzes/name-that-thing-70x55.gif" alt="Name That Thing Icon" /></a> </div> <div class="quiz_content"> <div class="title georgia_font"> <a href="/dictionary/eb/quiz/name-that-thing-start">Name That Thing</a> </div> <div class="descr"> <a href="/dictionary/eb/quiz/name-that-thing-start">Take our visual quiz</a> </div> <div class="passthru_url"> <a href="/dictionary/eb/quiz/name-that-thing-start">Test Your Knowledge »</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <link href="/dictionary/eb/css/wod/siderail.0001.css" type="text/css" rel="Stylesheet" charset="utf-8" />  <div id="wod_siderail">  <div class="area_header verdana_font margin_bottom_10"> WORD OF THE DAY </div>  <table class="cont"> <tr> <td class="qa_content_l"> <a href="/dictionary/eb/word-of-the-day" title=""> <img src="https://merriam-webster.com/assets/ld/word_of_the_day/images/6276/thumb.jpg" alt="Gel Illustration" /> </a> </td> <td class="qa_content_r"> <div class="word georgia_font"> <a href="/dictionary/eb/word-of-the-day" title="gel"> gel </a> </div> <div class="blurb"> <a href="/dictionary/eb/word-of-the-day" title="{bc} a thick substance that is like jelly and that is used in various products"><strong class="mw_spm_bc">:</strong> a thick substance that is like jelly and that is used in various products</a> </div> <div class="learn_more"> <a href="/dictionary/eb/word-of-the-day" class="helvetica_font">Learn More »</a> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div>  <script type="text/javascript"> require(['underscore', 'jquery'], function(_) { }); </script> </div> </div>  <div style = "clear:both;"></div> </div> </div>  <div style = "clear:both;"></div>  <div id="wrap_cf" class="box_sizing noprint"> <div id="footer" class="box_sizing footer-oa">  <div class="footer_b ld_xs_hidden"> <div class="major-links"> <ol> <li><a href="https://corporate.britannica.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">About Us & Legal Info</a></li> <li><a href="https://corporate.britannica.com/publishing-partner-program/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Partner Program</a></li> <li><a href="https://corporate.britannica.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> <li><a href="https://corporate.britannica.com/privacy-policy-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Privacy Notice</a></li> <li><a href="https://corporate.britannica.com/termsofuse.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Terms of Use</a></li> <li><a href="/dictionary/eb/help/ipa">Pronunciation Symbols</a></li> <li><a href="/dictionary/eb/help/all">Help</a></li> </ol> </div> <div class="minor-links"> <ol> <li> <a class="social-icon facebook-icon" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/" rel="noopener"></a> </li> <li> <a class="social-icon twitter-icon" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/britannica" rel="noopener"></a> </li> <li> <a class="social-icon youtube-icon" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/c/encyclopaediabritannica" rel="noopener"></a> </li> <li> <a class="social-icon instagram-icon" target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/britannica/" rel="noopener"></a> </li> <li> <a class="social-icon pinterest-icon" target="_blank" href="https://www.pinterest.com/britannica/" rel="noopener"> <svg height="30" width="30" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="" role="img"><path d="M0 12c0 5.123 3.211 9.497 7.73 11.218-.11-.937-.227-2.482.025-3.566.217-.932 1.401-5.938 1.401-5.938s-.357-.715-.357-1.774c0-1.66.962-2.9 2.161-2.9 1.02 0 1.512.765 1.512 1.682 0 1.025-.653 2.557-.99 3.978-.281 1.189.597 2.159 1.769 2.159 2.123 0 3.756-2.239 3.756-5.471 0-2.861-2.056-4.86-4.991-4.86-3.398 0-5.393 2.549-5.393 5.184 0 1.027.395 2.127.889 2.726a.36.36 0 0 1 .083.343c-.091.378-.293 1.189-.332 1.355-.053.218-.173.265-.4.159-1.492-.694-2.424-2.875-2.424-4.627 0-3.769 2.737-7.229 7.892-7.229 4.144 0 7.365 2.953 7.365 6.899 0 4.117-2.595 7.431-6.199 7.431-1.211 0-2.348-.63-2.738-1.373 0 0-.599 2.282-.744 2.84-.282 1.084-1.064 2.456-1.549 3.235C9.584 23.815 10.77 24 12 24c6.627 0 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0 0 5.373 0 12"></path></svg> </a> </li> </ol> </div> <div class="copyright"> <span>© 2024 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.</span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <script type="text/javascript"> var focusIn = true; var focusInHome = false; require(['main'], function(main) { main.init(focusIn, focusInHome); }); </script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Credit Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary