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

Example Sentences

Iran is requiring ships to work out toll arrangements ahead of time and then pay the fees in cryptocurrency or Chinese yuan, mediators and shipbrokers said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

For some of the most prominent voices in Bitcoin, keeping Satoshi's identity secret is a part of the appeal and power of the decentralised cryptocurrency.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Iran on Wednesday reportedly was requiring vessels to pay transit fees in cryptocurrency, rather than traditional currencies like the dollar, to get their fleets moving through the strait.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, was trading at $68,721 early in the day, up 3% over the past 24 hours, according to CoinDesk data.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

BTQ Technologies is developing a separate version of the bitcoin blockchain that it claims will be safe against quantum computing, and it plans to launch its own cryptocurrency in the future.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026