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

Most of the gain in music operating income came from streaming and favorable currency. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026

This year, the company is now looking for constant currency revenues to rise by 6 percent to 7 percent, ahead of the 5 percent to 6 percent range previously given. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

Verica’s currency shows a slender, feminine individual on horseback with bare breasts. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Nov. 2026

Bottom line Changes in government policy, currency fluctuations and shifts in global investor sentiment could continue to create volatility for Brazilian stocks. — Stephanie Link, CNBC, 5 Nov. 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