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

Tokenized versions of stocks, sometimes called bStocks on platforms built for them, settle on blockchain rails instead of the traditional clearing system. — Malana Vantyler, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2026

The token tied to the Chainlink blockchain could rocket more than 2,400% from current levels, fueled by the growth of tokenization of stocks and other real assets, a bold forecast from Standard Chartered states. — Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026

An early version of the Orb, which looked like a miniature Death Star, spat out physical coins, like a slot machine, presumably to make the point about the quid pro quo to people who might not quite comprehend blockchain. — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

As such, the use of blockchain for property records and transactions may offer specific advantages for local investors. — K.h. Koehler, Ascend Agency, 6 Aug. 2026

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