bitcoin

American  

[bit-koin] / ˈbɪtˌkɔɪn /

noun

bitcoins plural

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. ).

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• bitcoins
  plural

Etymology

Origin of bitcoin

First recorded in 2005–10; bit ³ ( def. ) + coin

Example Sentences

Saylor, the company’s co-founder and executive chairman, began transforming his software-intelligence company into a bitcoin hoarder in August 2020.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

With bitcoin hovering near $60,000 and Strategy sitting on a $10 billion-plus unrealized loss on its bitcoin stash, some analysts think the company should pause its bitcoin purchases and rebuild its cash reserves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

The transaction, while small at just 32 bitcoin, hurt investor confidence and precipitated a swift market pullback.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

“Strategy remains committed to bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset,” Saylor said in Strategy’s Monday announcement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

To keep paying the dividends, it must either sell more common equity, unload more bitcoin or cut the preferred dividend, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026