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

See Examples For:

cryptocurrency

The rally likely prompted traders who were short bitcoin — or positioning to profit from falling prices of the cryptocurrency — to exit those trades, he said.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 22, 2026

Not everyone is convinced about the group's intentions, as each release of new material has invited viewers to send cryptocurrency "donations" to the user uploading them.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

The general rule of thumb for the high-risk portion of a wealthy person’s portfolio is 5% — that’s for alternative investments like hedge funds, private equity, real-estate speculation and cryptocurrency.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 20, 2026

From March 2027, cryptocurrency platforms located in dozens of countries outside the UK will be obliged to share information about their customers with tax authorities.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026

Some of the strongest support to end the trade-through rule came from cryptocurrency firms and lobbying groups.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026