currency

American  

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

noun

currencies plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• currencies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of currency

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

Explanation

Currency is the paper and coin money that a country uses to conduct business. The United States uses a currency that's made up of dollars, quarters, nickels, dimes, and pennies. Just about every country has its own currency — the money its people use to pay for their groceries, clothes, and other goods. Paper currency in the United States is all green and can confuse people who use bills with different colors for different denominations. In addition to describing a country's monetary system, currency means something that is accepted or used. The slang word "daddy-o" was the currency in the 1950s, but people who say it today can expect to receive strange looks.

Example Sentences

On currency markets the yen strengthened but remained above 161 per dollar -- and near its weakest level since 1986 -- after this week's jump fuelled by Fed rate hike expectations.

From Barron's • Jun. 19, 2026

Much of the narrative surrounding the dollar last year focused on predictions of de-dollarization, an end to its hegemony in currency markets and the expectations of central banks’ reserves diversification.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 19, 2026

First quarter sales reported in early May—which caused the stock to jump the next day—grew 15% year over year, excluding currency fluctuations, with the reported number coming in at a hair over $1 billion.

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

Headline inflation reached 3.1% in May, the highest since March 2024, creating more headwinds for policymakers who are also grappling with a weakening currency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

No human currency could stand up against the vuvv’s ch’ch.

From "Landscape with Invisible Hand" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• cash