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

Musk, a vocal Trump backer who donated over $100 million to a pro-Trump super PAC, has pitched the department in the past, seemingly naming it after the meme cryptocurrency dogecoin. —Sara Dorn, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

The audience member suggested cryptocurrency, which made others in the room chuckle. —Kylie Robison, The Verge, 14 Dec. 2024

Don’t miss these cryptocurrency insights from CNBC Pro: Potential inclusion of MicroStrategy into the ‘QQQ’ could mark a tech top. —Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 14 Dec. 2024

Many have speculated the company’s reemergence is merely a publicity stunt promoting cryptocurrency. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

crypto- + currency

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

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