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

Cloudflare and cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase have also recently announced job cuts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

Another contestant, Kurt Gallo, a former esports player, is battling through perpetual futures tied to HYPE, the native cryptocurrency of the decentralized exchange Hyperliquid.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Harborne, a British cryptocurrency investor who lives in Thailand, last year gave a single donation of £9m to Reform UK - the biggest single donation to a UK political party by a living person.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

He is currently embracing shadowy cryptocurrency schemes that are generating massive profits.

From Salon • May 13, 2026

To participate, voters buy a cryptocurrency called UMA, which is currently valued at 51 cents a token.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026