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

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

From Salon • May 13, 2026

The cryptocurrency trades around $0.51 per token, down 98% from its all-time high of $33.77 in February, 2021, with a market capitalization of roughly $46 million, according to CoinMarketCap.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

"They're online talking about trading cryptocurrency and how much money they've made, trying to get followers and get attention. As you do that, you're drawing attention to yourself."

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Scammers have been exploiting the confusion, luring shipping companies to transfer substantial sums into cryptocurrency wallets they claim belongs to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026