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

Interest-rate increases ordinarily support a country's currency, push up its bond yields, and put pressure on its stock market. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026

The city government also proposes to strengthen its role as the world's largest offshore hub for renminbi, mainland China's currency, including by exploring the use of renminbi to settle government expenditures where appropriate. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

The challenge is making the economics of working locally in Canada, including leveraging currency savings and tax credits, to allow for international exploitation. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Debating literary currency The scheme has sparked debate in the affluent city-state over whether cash can truly cultivate a lifelong love for books. — Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 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