blockchain
Americannoun
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a structure used for a distributed or shared database consisting of discrete blocks of data, with each new block secured and connected to earlier ones by cryptography: used to create digital ledgers for cryptocurrency systems, among other things.
Several schools now offer courses in the technology behind blockchain.
Under the scheme, farmers would add information about their produce to a blockchain database that could quickly pinpoint contamination.
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a distributed or shared database created and populated using a structure consisting of discrete blocks of data, with each new block secured and connected to earlier ones by cryptography.
Once the transaction gets verified, it's recorded in the blockchain.
Etymology
Origin of blockchain
First recorded in 2010–15; block ( def. ) + chain ( def. )
Explanation
A blockchain is a shared computer database that's mainly used for keeping records of cryptocurrency transactions. When someone buys or sells Bitcoin, they use a blockchain to safely record the details. A blockchain works like a shared spreadsheet, with data entered into separate cells or columns. The special thing about blockchain is that once information is put into each block, it can't be changed, making it an extremely secure way to store data. The name blockchain comes from the blocks of data, linked together in chains through cryptography.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Two major blockchain analytics firms say they have robust intelligence pointing to a North Korean state-backed group called The Lazarus Group, also known as TraderTraitor, as the likely culprits.
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026
“This was so obviously a hack that someone who is a novice in blockchain analytics would know.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
Cryptocurrencies are based on a technology called blockchain, a digital ledger that records transactions and is designed to make falsification particularly difficult.
From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2026
This potentially lucrative process, known as mining, is also controversial because of the incredible amount of energy, external used as people the world over race to be the first to successfully update the blockchain.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
Importantly, the information available so far indicates a compromise of a specific transaction-authorization layer, not the blockchain protocol layer, Dori notes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
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