altcoin
noun
alt·coin
ˈȯlt-ˌkȯin 
plural altcoins
: any of various cryptocurrencies that are regarded as alternatives to established cryptocurrencies and especially to Bitcoin
Since then, thousands of new altcoins … have been created and added into the crypto ecosystem. "Altcoin" refers to any type of cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin.—
Meghan DeMatteo
Meghan DeMatteoEthereum's surge has triggered wider interest in the altcoin universe from retail investors with cash to burn …—Postmedia Breaking News
Postmedia Breaking News… major cryptocurrency projects like Bitcoin and Ethereum, and smaller altcoins …—benzinga.com
benzinga.comExamples of altcoin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When broader economic conditions favor cryptocurrency investment, capital typically flows first to Bitcoin before spreading to smaller altcoins.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Year to date, however, ether and other major altcoins – with the exception of XRP – are still deep in the red compared to bitcoin.
—Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 9 May 2025
With 80% of its supply concentrated in the hands of insiders, the rise and fall of $TRUMP served as a cautionary tale about the speculative frenzy that often grips altcoin markets.
—Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
In addition to various altcoin companies, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. announced their new bitcoin mining venture, American Bitcoin, earlier this month.
—Leigh Cuen, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
If that happens, Bitcoin and altcoin currencies are likely to see another strong year.
—Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2025
In addition, many altcoins underwent notable price increases, rising between 10% and 30% in the space of 24 hours, CoinMarketCap figures show.
—Charles Lloyd Bovaird Ii, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
With people being arrested for trading in Tether and demand for altcoin trading, the story is mixed with Bitcoin adoption.
—Roger Huang, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Having only bitcoin and not the rest of the altcoins in the strategic reserve is not a win.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 7 Mar. 2025
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.
Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Year to date, however, ether and other major altcoins – with the exception of XRP – are still deep in the red compared to bitcoin.
—Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 9 May 2025
With 80% of its supply concentrated in the hands of insiders, the rise and fall of $TRUMP served as a cautionary tale about the speculative frenzy that often grips altcoin markets.
—Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
In addition to various altcoin companies, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. announced their new bitcoin mining venture, American Bitcoin, earlier this month.
—Leigh Cuen, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
If that happens, Bitcoin and altcoin currencies are likely to see another strong year.
—Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2025
In addition, many altcoins underwent notable price increases, rising between 10% and 30% in the space of 24 hours, CoinMarketCap figures show.
—Charles Lloyd Bovaird Ii, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
With people being arrested for trading in Tether and demand for altcoin trading, the story is mixed with Bitcoin adoption.
—Roger Huang, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Having only bitcoin and not the rest of the altcoins in the strategic reserve is not a win.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Altcoin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altcoin. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share