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

NFTs—unique, transferable records on a blockchain, often linked through metadata to a digital image, animation, or piece of code—were established as stand-alone value units on Ethereum in 2018 and subsequently traded as digital art. — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Earlier on-chain estimates put the outflows at about $183 million, but Bitget said those analyses had not captured activity across all affected blockchains. — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

Such stocks can be issued and managed natively on a blockchain, or by means of special purpose vehicles that hold traditional stocks and issue corresponding tokens that have a claim on the shares. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

The presence of a blockchain does not mean every part of the underlying business arrangement moves onto it. — Karen Koehler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Sep. 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