cryptocurrency

noun

cryp·​to·​cur·​ren·​cy ˌkrip-tō-ˈkər-ən(t)-sē How to pronounce cryptocurrency (audio)
-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
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.
Do not send these people money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Crypto staking involves temporarily locking up a certain amount of cryptocurrency to participate in a blockchain network. Julia Shapero, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025 Venture capitalist David Sacks, recently named as President Donald Trump’s artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency czar, is a limited partner in projects by local developer Brick & Timber Collective, according to loan documents and people familiar with the matter. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025 What To Know Reports of the attack first emerged when cryptocurrency influencer Nick Johnson posted a thread on X, formerly Twitter, outlining the scam. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cryptocurrency

Word History

Etymology

crypto- + currency

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cryptocurrency was in 2009

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Cite this Entry

“Cryptocurrency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptocurrency. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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