blockchain
Americannoun
-
a structure used for a distributed or shared database consisting of discrete blocks of data, with each new block secured and connected to earlier ones by cryptography: used to create digital ledgers for cryptocurrency systems, among other things.
Several schools now offer courses in the technology behind blockchain.
Under the scheme, farmers would add information about their produce to a blockchain database that could quickly pinpoint contamination.
-
a distributed or shared database created and populated using a structure consisting of discrete blocks of data, with each new block secured and connected to earlier ones by cryptography.
Once the transaction gets verified, it's recorded in the blockchain.
Etymology
Origin of blockchain
First recorded in 2010–15; block ( def. ) + chain ( def. )
Explanation
A blockchain is a shared computer database that's mainly used for keeping records of cryptocurrency transactions. When someone buys or sells Bitcoin, they use a blockchain to safely record the details. A blockchain works like a shared spreadsheet, with data entered into separate cells or columns. The special thing about blockchain is that once information is put into each block, it can't be changed, making it an extremely secure way to store data. The name blockchain comes from the blocks of data, linked together in chains through cryptography.
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.
Three anonymous Polymarket accounts later made over $600,000 correctly betting on the April ceasefire announcement, according to blockchain research firm Bubblemaps.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026
In a Tuesday posting on X, it appeared Chesky outlined his thoughts on the blockchain adoption of real-world assets.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026
Tokenization allows investors to own fractions of an asset, rather than the whole thing, and blockchain hosting — theoretically, at least — enables payment, settlement, change of ownership and custody on a digital ledger.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026
The live trades will settle on either HyperLedger Besu, DTCC’s private blockchain, or Canton Network, a Wall Street-backed, privacy-focused blockchain, depending on which one the participating firms choose.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026
This same blockchain technology is being used to run Liberland's government and one day, if Sun gets his way, it could run ours too.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 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.
