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

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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

Shah produced and sent the individual a document he titled "A Guide on Cybersecurity" that provided detailed information and instruction on cyber-security and the use of cryptocurrency.

From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026

Wall Street firms are well on their way to applying cryptocurrency technology to traditional assets like stocks and bonds.

From Barron's ● Oct. 10, 2026

One year after hitting an all-time high, bitcoin is trading about one-third lower, leading market watchers to question what comes next for the flagship cryptocurrency.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

Anthropic received early funding from effective-altruism adherents including Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange, who is serving a 25-year term in prison after conviction on federal fraud and conspiracy charges.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

More recently, Cuomo has expanded his involvement in the cryptocurrency industry.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026

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