crypto

1 of 2

noun

cryp·​to ˈkrip-(ˌ)tō 

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

: cryptography sense 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

Noun

Regardless of this specific stablecoin project plays out the following reality is becoming increasingly clear, and some would say urgent, for the crypto marketplace. —Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025

Effectively accepting bribes from those buying Trump crypto coins in exchange for a White House meeting and tour? —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025

What looks like a game beta or cash giveaway can actually lead to malware, phishing scams or fake crypto schemes. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025

Many states' money transmission licensing laws will also continue to apply to crypto companies. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025

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

Medical Definition

crypto

noun

cryp·​to ˈkrip-(ˌ)tō 

: cryptosporidium sense 2

also : cryptosporidiosis