blockchain

noun

block·​chain ˈbläk-ˌchān 

: a digital database containing information (such as records of financial transactions) that can be simultaneously used and shared within a large decentralized, publicly accessible network

also : the technology used to create such a database

The technology at the heart of bitcoin and other virtual currencies, blockchain is an open, distributed ledger that can record transactions between two parties efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way.

—Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani

Examples of blockchain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

First, blockchain and distributed ledger technology eliminates intermediaries, thereby reducing transaction fees. —Raymond Qu, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Since 2022, Napster has been owned by Web3 and blockchain firms Hivemind and Algorand. —Ars Technica, 25 Mar. 2025

Looking ahead, Collins sees major opportunities in fintech through disintermediation, decentralization, and blockchain technology. —Christer Holloman, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Tokens will be issued on the Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain blockchains. —William Gavin, Quartz, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2011, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for blockchain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• butane
• campaign
• cetane