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

In June, he was named co-chair of a partnership involving cryptocurrency exchange OKX and Intercontinental Exchange, the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026

The plea agreement referenced at least two other victims, including one identified as E.Z., who Iza believed possessed a laptop containing large amount of cryptocurrency.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026

In the early days of cryptocurrency trading, for example, it was easy for bitcoin traders to exploit wide price differences across exchanges around the world and take the other side of trades placed by rookies.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026

Citi says Strategy stock could reach $240 as the price of the world’s largest cryptocurrency continues to climb.

From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026

Unlike money held in a conventional bank account, cryptocurrency is often controlled directly by the owner through digital wallets or physical storage devices.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026