bitcoin
Americannoun
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Often Bitcoin the first widely established cryptocurrency, which uses state-of-the-art cryptography, can be issued in any fractional denomination, and has a decentralized distribution system.
Increasing numbers of stores and online businesses accept Bitcoin.
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a single unit of bitcoin, the first widely established cryptocurrency.
The value of a bitcoin has sometimes surpassed the value of an ounce of gold.
Usage
What's the difference between bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and digital currency? See digital currency ( def. ).
Etymology
Origin of bitcoin
First recorded in 2005–10; bit 3 ( def. ) + coin
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Galaxy Digital, the cryptocurrency company run by billionaire Michael Novogratz, on Tuesday reported a $482 million loss in the fourth quarter as the value of bitcoin and other digital assets fell.
From MarketWatch
The world’s largest crypto has stabilized following last weekend’s rout, during which the price of Bitcoin dropped under $75,000—its lowest level since April 2025.
From Barron's
“We’ve seen improved buy orders emerge in Bitcoin on the move into the April 2025 lows,” said Chris Weston, Pepperstone’s head of research.
From Barron's
Bitcoin’s price increased by 0.7% to $78,290.2 early Tuesday, while Ethereum and XRP saw slight decreases.
From Barron's
The dollar’s DXY index dropped by 0.15% early Tuesday, which contributed to an increase in Bitcoin’s price.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.