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

Electronic devices, large amounts of cash, company documents, high-end watches and cryptocurrency wallets were said to have been seized as part of the investigation.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

Find insight on the cryptocurrency market, Accenture, Informa and more in the latest Market Talks covering technology, media and telecom.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

Crude prices were dropping early Monday, while gold, cryptocurrency, and energy-sensitive stocks—think airlines and cruise operators—were rising.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

Much of that moola is in opaque cryptocurrency holdings, an industry he has championed as his fortunes in it have increased.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026

That’s the implication of a fair-value model for the cryptocurrency that has performed admirably over the years I have been writing about it.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026