cryptocurrency

noun

cryp·​to·​cur·​ren·​cy ˌkrip-tō-ˈkər-ən(t)-sē How to pronounce cryptocurrency (audio)
-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
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While investors often look to digital assets during market turmoil, Trump and first lady Melania Trump entered the cryptocurrency space well before stocks began to slide. Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 After filing that disclosure in August, Trump received two massive windfalls via cryptocurrency ventures. Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Consistent with that narrowing of its cryptocurrency enforcement policy, the DOJ Market Integrity and Major Frauds Unit will also cease cryptocurrency enforcement to focus on other administration priorities, including immigration and procurement fraud, Blanche said. Josh Meyer, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 The memo criticized past efforts to use criminal enforcement as a de facto regulatory tool for the cryptocurrency industry under the Biden administration. Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cryptocurrency

Word History

Etymology

crypto- + currency

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cryptocurrency was in 2009

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Cite this Entry

“Cryptocurrency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptocurrency. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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