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.
Strategy investors appear to give the company a pass because the share sales effectively mean they get more exposure to more bitcoin.
From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026
The stock rose 3.3% in recent afternoon trading, toward the highest close since Jan. 30, even as bitcoin fell 0.8%.
From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026
A significant portion of the electricity it generates is used to mine bitcoin.
From Salon • May 10, 2026
Others tried their hands at a bottle ring toss to win crypto-themed plushies of pudgy penguins or bitcoin monkeys.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026
Find insight on bitcoin, Telus, Cloudflare and more in the latest Market Talks covering technology, media and telecom.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 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.
