bitcoin

American  

[bit-koin] / ˈbɪtˌkɔɪn /

noun

1. 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.

2. 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.

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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

The 21-year-old college student in Bellevue, Wash., placed the bet on Kalshi, a prediction market that lets people wager on everything from when bitcoin will hit $150,000 to who might be the Republican presidential nominee in 2028.

From The Wall Street Journal

After ending Friday at $83,817 Bitcoin fell 7% to $78,092 by Saturday evening.

From Barron's

The Fed nominee has called Bitcoin a good asset External link and said it is a “good policeman for policy.”

From Barron's

Bitcoin has shed roughly one-third of its value since hitting a record high in October, including a 4.2% drop in January.

From The Wall Street Journal

Salemme still keeps roughly 40% of his $200,000 portfolio in crypto investments including ether, XRP and bitcoin ETFs.

From The Wall Street Journal