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

Examples of cryptocurrency in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This boosted bitcoin — the world’s largest cryptocurrency by market value — to a record high of $124,000 last week. —John Towfighi, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025

The city also hosts around 1,100 fintech companies, covering sectors such as digital assets, cryptocurrency, blockchain, wealthtech and green fintech. —Familyofficehk Contributor, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

According to the Sheriff’s Office, a scammer will claim the offenses will go away if the victim pays them immediately using gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2025

The landmark legislation followed intense lobbying by a cryptocurrency industry Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, viewed with suspicion. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

crypto- + currency

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cryptocurrency

• eurocurrency
• concurrency
• currency

Kids 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