blockchain

noun

block·​chain ˈbläk-ˌchān 

: a digital database containing information (such as records of financial transactions) that can be simultaneously used and shared within a large decentralized, publicly accessible network

also : the technology used to create such a database

The technology at the heart of bitcoin and other virtual currencies, blockchain is an open, distributed ledger that can record transactions between two parties efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way.

—Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani

Examples of blockchain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The blockchain industry has long promised to rival traditional finance in speed, efficiency, and transparency. —Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

The online blockchain at herbmorganonchain.com currently lists $11,605 in campaign funds and a breakdown of all transactions. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025

That includes plans to launch its own blockchain, which will be helmed by venture power broker—and Stripe board member—Matt Huang of Paradigm. Submit a deal for the Term Sheet newsletter here. —Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2025

That shift was catalyzed by regulatory tailwinds that prompted a boom in institutional interest around stablecoins, which account for 40% of all blockchain fees and more than half of which are powered by the Ethereum blockchain. —Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2011, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for blockchain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• butane
• campaign
• cetane