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.
The agency also approved the listing of a bitcoin perpetual futures contract at Kalshi, and allowed Coinbase’s U.S. customers to access its global perpetuals through an affiliate.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
“Sentiment toward bitcoin has soured quite rapidly,” Trade Nation analyst David Morrison said in a note.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
“Sentiment towards bitcoin has soured quite rapidly,” Trade Nation analyst David Morrison says in a note.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
Mark Cuban, the billionaire former “Shark Tank” regular and erstwhile critic of President Donald Trump, dumped nearly all his bitcoin holdings late last month, saying the original digital currency has “lost the plot.”
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
He sees a future where digital assets like bitcoin are set to play a central role.
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
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.
