crypto

1 of 2

noun

cryp·​to ˈkrip-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce crypto (audio)
plural cryptos
1
: cryptocurrency
A specialty finance firm … is the first to offer brokers the option to get their commissions paid up front, in crypto, underscoring how digital coins are becoming a more mainstream part of financial transactions.Jennifer Schonberger
often used before another noun
crypto assets
the crypto market
2
3
: a person who adheres or belongs secretly to a party, sect, or other group
And jaws dropped, he said, when he explained the theory that Christopher Columbus was a "crypto" or hidden Jew.Kim Vo

crypto-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or before a vowel crypt-
1
: hidden : covered
cryptogenic
2
: hidden by dissembling : unavowed
crypto-fascist
3
: cryptographic
cryptanalysis

Examples of crypto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Once a crypto skeptic who said bitcoin seemed like a scam, Trump has now fully embraced digital currency. ABC News, 1 June 2025 In the tug of war between the macroeconomic and crypto adoption stories, blockchain adoption is starting to taking over the bitcoin narrative. Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 31 May 2025 The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is dropping its case against crypto exchange Binance, as the agency continues to pull back on enforcement against the digital asset industry under President Trump. Julia Shapero, The Hill, 30 May 2025 The guest list included foreign nationals such as crypto billionaire Justin Sun, prompting accusations of selling access to the presidency and violating the Constitution's emoluments clause. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for crypto

Word History

Etymology

Noun

(senses 1 & 2) by shortening; (sense 3) independent use of crypto-

Combining form

combining form from Greek kryptós "hidden, secret" — more at crypt

First Known Use

Noun

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of crypto was in 1946

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crypto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crypto. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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