currency

noun

cur·​ren·​cy ˈkər-ən(t)-sē 

ˈkə-rən(t)-

plural currencies

1

a

: circulation as a medium of exchange

b

: general use, acceptance, or prevalence

a story gaining currency

c

: the quality or state of being current : currentness

needed to check the accuracy and currency of the information

2

a

: something (such as coins, treasury notes, and banknotes) that is in circulation as a medium of exchange

b

: paper money in circulation

c

: a common article for bartering

Furs were once used as currency.

d

: a medium of verbal or intellectual expression

… neither side possessed any currency but clichés …

—Jan Struther

Synonyms of currency

• cash
• money
• coin

Examples of currency in a Sentence

A new currency has been introduced in the foreign exchange market.

They were paid in U.S. currency.

Furs were once traded as currency.

The word has not yet won widespread currency.

I'm not sure about the accuracy and currency of their information.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet Kwan adds that most traditional-finance institutions don’t accommodate these digital currencies. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

The website solicits donations in British pounds, among other currency. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026

In the third quarter, group revenue climbed 11 percent at constant currency. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

The breakdown Organic revenues for Prada Group — parent company to Prada, Church’s, Miu Miu, and Versace — rose 1% year-on-year on a constant currency basis in the third quarter of 2026. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

curr(ent) entry 1 + -ency

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing currency

• fiat currency
• fractional currency
• hard currency

Rhymes for currency

• concurrency
• eurocurrency

Kids Definition

currency

noun

cur·​ren·​cy ˈkər-ən-sē 

ˈkə-rən-

plural currencies

1

: common use or acceptance

2

: money in circulation