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

World Liberty acquired a majority stake in AI Financial in August by paying with its own cryptocurrency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026

Labour MPs have asked him to investigate separate claims that Farage failed to adequately declare property interests and improperly lobbied the Bank of England over cryptocurrency plans.

From Barron's • Jul. 6, 2026

Who is Cottrell, the long-time Farage ally and reported cryptocurrency entrepreneur once convicted of fraud in the US?

From BBC • Jul. 5, 2026

Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, is mired in a big drawdown, as are most of the other major coins.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 2, 2026

The president also expanded his dealings in the relatively new realm of cryptocurrency.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026