virtual currency

American  

[vur-choo-uhl kur-uhn-see, kuhr-] / ˈvɜr tʃu əl ˈkɜr ən si, ˈkʌr- /

noun

1. an unregulated currency available only in electronic form that is issued and controlled by its developers and usually used within a specific online community.

   The game is free to play, but you must make purchases in the app if you want virtual currency to spend.

   As a virtual currency, bitcoin has less stability than a currency issued by a central bank.

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Usage

What's the difference between cryptocurrency, virtual currency, and digital currency? See digital currency ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of virtual currency

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

virtual currency

Gugnin then allegedly used a crypto exchange to convert the virtual currency into dollars, which were deposited in his company’s account at a New York bank.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 4, 2026

But many believe that with its limited supply, the virtual currency will bounce back.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 13, 2026

They include one serving Shwe Kokko, which the US Treasury calls a "notorious hub for virtual currency investment scams" under the protection of the Karen National Army, a militia affiliated with Myanmar's junta.

From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2025

The lawsuits were filed by 13 states separately and in the District of Columbia, where the attorney general also accused the company of running an unlicensed money transmission business via its "virtual currency" offering.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2024

Included in Monday’s sanctions are a group of Moscow-based fintech companies and a Russia and UAE-based virtual currency exchange, among others.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 25, 2024