cryptocurrency
noun
cryp·to·cur·ren·cy
ˌkrip-tō-ˈkər-ən(t)-sē 
-ˈkə-rən(t)-sē
plural cryptocurrencies
: any form of currency that only exists digitally, that usually has no central issuing or regulating authority but instead uses a decentralized system to record transactions and manage the issuance of new units, and that relies on cryptography to prevent counterfeiting and fraudulent transactions
Virtual currency bitcoin hit the mainstream in 2014. Bitcoin ATMs started springing up all over the world … , allowing people to exchange cash for the cryptocurrency, a secure digital payment outside of conventional financial institutions.—
Brenda Poppy
Brenda PoppyExamples of cryptocurrency in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Watch out for anyone who asks for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or payment apps.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
Under Polymarket’s rules, whenever the outcome of one of its financial contracts faces an official challenge, the dispute goes to a vote among holders of UMA, an independent cryptocurrency.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
The bill also includes a proposal to officially recognize cryptocurrency and virtual asset service providers in the tax and reporting framework, a move that could help broaden participation in digital finance while driving tax revenues from the crypto sector.
—Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 25 May 2026
According to Poon, one client in his 30s, who built significant wealth through cryptocurrency trading, began thinking more seriously about long-term wealth preservation and succession planning after becoming a father.
—Dbs Private Bank, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cryptocurrency
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
Under Polymarket’s rules, whenever the outcome of one of its financial contracts faces an official challenge, the dispute goes to a vote among holders of UMA, an independent cryptocurrency.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
The bill also includes a proposal to officially recognize cryptocurrency and virtual asset service providers in the tax and reporting framework, a move that could help broaden participation in digital finance while driving tax revenues from the crypto sector.
—Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 25 May 2026
According to Poon, one client in his 30s, who built significant wealth through cryptocurrency trading, began thinking more seriously about long-term wealth preservation and succession planning after becoming a father.
—Dbs Private Bank, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cryptocurrency
Cite this Entry
“Cryptocurrency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptocurrency. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cryptocurrency
noun
cryp·to·cur·ren·cy
ˌkrip-tō-ˈkər-ən(t)-sē
-ˈkə-rən(t)-sē
: any form of currency that only exists digitally, that usually uses a decentralized system for issuing new units and reording transactions, and that relies on cryptography to prevent fraudulent transactions
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