cryptocurrency

noun

cryp·​to·​cur·​ren·​cy ˌkrip-tō-ˈkər-ən(t)-sē 

-ˈkə-rən(t)-sē

plural cryptocurrencies

: any form of currency that only exists digitally, that usually has no central issuing or regulating authority but instead uses a decentralized system to record transactions and manage the issuance of new units, and that relies on cryptography to prevent counterfeiting and fraudulent transactions

Virtual currency bitcoin hit the mainstream in 2014. Bitcoin ATMs started springing up all over the world … , allowing people to exchange cash for the cryptocurrency, a secure digital payment outside of conventional financial institutions.

—Brenda Poppy

Examples of cryptocurrency in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The cryptocurrency market has struggled for several weeks despite the industry’s shifting political fortunes. —Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025

Additionally, be wary of anyone asking you to send money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or to invest. —Rachel Wells, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

The world's largest cryptocurrency hit a record high of $109,071 in January, but has since lost most of the gains racked up since the American election, as concerns about U.S. tariff policy, the health of the world's largest economy and a tech selloff sap risk appetite. —Lisa Pauline Mattackal and Medha Singh, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025

In February, prosecutors alerted the judge that Goldstein was allegedly making cryptocurrency transfers without notifying the court. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

crypto- + currency

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cryptocurrency

• eurocurrency
• concurrency
• currency

Kids Definition

cryptocurrency

noun

cryp·​to·​cur·​ren·​cy

ˌkrip-tō-ˈkər-ən(t)-sē,

-ˈkə-rən(t)-sē

: any form of currency that only exists digitally, that usually uses a decentralized system for issuing new units and reording transactions, and that relies on cryptography to prevent fraudulent transactions