cryptocurrency

American  

[krip-toh-kur-uhn-see, -kuhr-] / ˈkrɪp toʊˌkɜr ən si, -ˌkʌr- /

noun

1. currency that exists only in electronic form, operates on a decentralized system of exchange, and uses advanced cryptography for security, or any individual currency of this type.

   Some expect cryptocurrency to become the dominant means of financing trade between markets.

   This particular cryptocurrency has a huge following among retail traders.

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adjective

1. being or relating to virtual currency that uses advanced cryptography for security.

   They are one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges on the internet.

   She got caught running a cryptocurrency scam.

Usage

What's the difference between cryptocurrency, virtual currency, and digital currency? See digital currency ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of cryptocurrency

First recorded in 2005–10; crypto- + currency

Explanation

Cryptocurrency is a form of payment that's entirely digital, moving from one computer to another. The most well-known cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was also the first ever created. Cryptocurrency gets its name from the cryptography or encryption used to protect digital "coins" and all information exchanged when they're traded. At the heart of the word is crypto-, from the Greek kryptos, "hidden or concealed." Cryptocurrency proponents emphasize its security, and the benefit of trading without the interference of banks or governments. Critics warn that investing real money in cryptocurrency is risky; in 2022, people lost a total of about $2 trillion using the digital exchanges.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cryptocurrency

A hacker could exploit that window by using the temporary buying power to trade securities or purchase cryptocurrency before the transfer fails.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026

The firm runs several cryptocurrency funds, including the $2.5 billion Bitwise Bitcoin ETF, which launched in January 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

In the Urban Institute poll, 22% said they currently own or have owned cryptocurrency and 17% said they have bet on sports in the past 12 months.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026

The cryptocurrency investor and aviation entrepreneur gave £12m in total to Reform in 2025 and a further £3m in January.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

Labour MPs have asked him to investigate separate claims that Farage failed to adequately declare property interests and improperly lobbied the Bank of England over cryptocurrency plans.

From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026