cryptocurrency

American  

[krip-toh-kur-uhn-see, -kuhr-] / ˈkrɪp toʊˌkɜr ən si, -ˌkʌr- /

noun

1. currency that exists only in electronic form, operates on a decentralized system of exchange, and uses advanced cryptography for security, or any individual currency of this type.

   Some expect cryptocurrency to become the dominant means of financing trade between markets.

   This particular cryptocurrency has a huge following among retail traders.

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adjective

1. being or relating to virtual currency that uses advanced cryptography for security.

   They are one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges on the internet.

   She got caught running a cryptocurrency scam.

Usage

What's the difference between cryptocurrency, virtual currency, and digital currency? See digital currency ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of cryptocurrency

First recorded in 2005–10; crypto- + currency

Explanation

Cryptocurrency is a form of payment that's entirely digital, moving from one computer to another. The most well-known cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was also the first ever created. Cryptocurrency gets its name from the cryptography or encryption used to protect digital "coins" and all information exchanged when they're traded. At the heart of the word is crypto-, from the Greek kryptos, "hidden or concealed." Cryptocurrency proponents emphasize its security, and the benefit of trading without the interference of banks or governments. Critics warn that investing real money in cryptocurrency is risky; in 2022, people lost a total of about $2 trillion using the digital exchanges.

Example Sentences

The world’s largest cryptocurrency was down 0.2% to $74,368, according to CoinDesk data.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Elsewhere Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi said Tuesday that the cryptocurrency exchange had filed for an initial public offering late last year.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

This has left the pioneering cryptocurrency on the cusp of a breakout that could take its price back toward six-figure territory, analysts said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

Bitcoin is a form of cryptocurrency or digital money.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Iran is demanding oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz pay a toll in cryptocurrency, highlighting its importance to the Iranian regime and economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026