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

He estimated that Blanche’s bitcoin alone rose by 34%, to $105,881.53, between when he issued the memo and when he divested.

From Salon

In an ethics filing he electronically signed in June, Blanche said his bitcoin and other cryptocurrency investments — including Solana, Cardano and Ethereum — “were gifted in their entirety to my grandchild and adult children.”

From Salon

Blanche had previously signed an ethics agreement promising to dump his cryptocurrency within 90 days of his confirmation and not to participate in any matter that could have a “direct and predictable effect on my financial interests in the virtual currency” until his bitcoin and other crypto-related products were sold.

From Salon

The overall altcoin market saw sharp declines in the fourth quarter of 2025, as did bitcoin and ether, owing to a variety of factors.

From MarketWatch

But there’s a broader picture as well: Data from crypto research firm CryptoQuant shows the market cap of altcoins at the start of 2024 to have been about on par with bitcoin at the time — roughly $830 billion.

From MarketWatch