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

The year began with a strong boost of confidence from the introduction in January of new ETFs that hold the cryptocurrency. —Samantha Subin, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024

Brady Dale Dec 4, 2024 - Business Bitcoin hits $100,000 Bitcoin's price broke $100,000 on Wednesday night, capping a bull run that has seen the original cryptocurrency rise more than 30% since Election Day. —Brady Dale, Axios, 30 Dec. 2024

On Monday, December 30, the cryptocurrency fell below $91,500, reaching its lowest level since late November, additional Coinbase figures show. —Charles Lloyd Bovaird Ii, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Earlier this year, a Manhattan woman was convicted of using cryptocurrency to fund terrorism after sending money to several groups operating in Syria. —Hurubie Meko, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

crypto- + currency

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

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