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

Investigators can map wallet activity, trace transaction paths across blockchains, and identify exchanges associated with suspicious transfers. —Jon Stojan may 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026

The blockchain can include both upstream, meaning production and sourcing info, and downstream, meaning loyalty programs or insurance tied to an object, as well as repair and resale. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 6 May 2026

Despite the encouraging uptake, most tokenization projects are creating blockchain representations of traditional assets such as Treasury bills, but failing to capture the full potential benefits of on-chain technology. —Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 6 May 2026

But Scott said he had been surprised by their resilience, with the majority in his tight community of around 90 blockchain and crypto entrepreneurs opting to stay despite the conflict. —Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 6 May 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