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

Libyans have been enjoying Ramadan with feasts and fireworks -- but soaring prices, a devalued currency and political divisions have left many with little to celebrate.

From Barron's

Lagarde: First of all, I think the euro as a currency in Europe is highly, highly credible.

From The Wall Street Journal

HSG makes some investments in dollars raised globally and other deals come in China’s currency, the yuan, which is largely raised from Chinese investors.

From The Wall Street Journal

The cryptocurrency exchange operator reported fourth-quarter revenue that missed expectations and swung to a loss in the period on steep declines in the price of Bitcoin and other digital currencies.

From Barron's

It’s as preposterous as—and far more dangerous than—a state rejecting the dollar and accepting only bitcoin, guilders or paper clips as its currency.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cash