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

However, the Fed’s hawkish stance is weighing on capital flows into bitcoin, which needs liquidity from ETFs, stablecoins and digital asset treasuries, De Maere added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

In recent years, prices of gold, silver and bitcoin had climbed as a kind of protest vote against fiscal excesses and the idea that central banks had become more tolerant of inflation.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 24, 2026

The first demanded millions in bitcoin for her release, but the second stated that she had died, according to sources cited by US media.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

The first demanded millions in bitcoin for her release, but the second stated that she had died, according to sources cited by CBS, the BBC's US news partner.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

With a quirk of Polymarket’s rules keeping trading open, he bought thousands of betting contracts which said they would pay off if Strategy sold any bitcoin by May 31.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026