crypto

1 of 2

noun

cryp·​to ˈkrip-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce crypto (audio)
plural cryptos
1
: cryptocurrency
A specialty finance firm … is the first to offer brokers the option to get their commissions paid up front, in crypto, underscoring how digital coins are becoming a more mainstream part of financial transactions.Jennifer Schonberger
often used before another noun
crypto assets
the crypto market
2
3
: a person who adheres or belongs secretly to a party, sect, or other group
And jaws dropped, he said, when he explained the theory that Christopher Columbus was a "crypto" or hidden Jew.Kim Vo

crypto-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or before a vowel crypt-
1
: hidden : covered
cryptogenic
2
: hidden by dissembling : unavowed
crypto-fascist
3
: cryptographic
cryptanalysis

Examples of crypto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The signing marked a major step in U.S. crypto oversight and signaled the country’s push to lead in digital finance. Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 Those include a bill to regulate stablecoins , a crypto market structure bill, and a bill prohibiting the U.S. Federal Reserve from issuing its own digital currency. Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 18 July 2025 More crypto legislation is expected to follow the GENIUS Act. Rafael Nam, NPR, 17 July 2025 After some procedural stumbles tied to intra-GOP squabbling, three major crypto bill all cleared the House on Thursday. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for crypto

Word History

Etymology

Noun

(senses 1 & 2) by shortening; (sense 3) independent use of crypto-

Combining form

combining form from Greek kryptós "hidden, secret" — more at crypt

First Known Use

Noun

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of crypto was in 1946

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Crypto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crypto. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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