currency

American  

[kur-uhn-see, kuhr-] / ˈkɜr ən si, ˈkʌr- /

noun

plural

currencies

1. something that is used as a medium of exchange; money.

2. general acceptance; prevalence; vogue.

3. a time or period during which something is widely accepted and circulated.

4. the fact or quality of being widely accepted and circulated from person to person.

5. circulation, as of coin.

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currency British  

/ ˈkʌrənsɪ /

noun

1. a metal or paper medium of exchange that is in current use in a particular country

2. general acceptance or circulation; prevalence

   the currency of ideas

3. the period of time during which something is valid, accepted, or in force

4. the act of being passed from person to person

5. (formerly) the local medium of exchange, esp in the colonies, as distinct from sterling

6. slang

   1. (formerly) the native-born Australians, as distinct from the British immigrants

   2. ( as modifier )

      a currency lad

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currency Cultural  

1. Any form of money in actual use as a medium of exchange.

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Etymology

Origin of currency

From the Medieval Latin word currentia, dating back to 1650–60. See current, -ency

Example Sentences

Dollar Index slumped as the cease-fire reduced demand for the currency as a haven.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Satoshi's stash of more than a million Bitcoins represents 5% of all the currency, as the inventor decided there would only ever be 21 million coins created.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

That only solidified Kunlun as a go-to choice for facilitating trade with Iran in China’s currency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

For all the Dodgers fans here, that’s quite the trip: a rout that silenced a hostile crowd one day, hot dogs valued at 55 cents in U.S. currency the next.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Somehow, despite my disorientation, my debutante training kicked in—the idea that first impressions were crucial for social currency.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• cash