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

The project has been years in the making but the EU first needs to agree on the legal framework underpinning the virtual currency before it is available for use.

From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026

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

Bitcoin is often described as a cryptocurrency, a virtual currency or a digital currency and is a type of money that is completely virtual - there are no physical coins or notes.

From BBC ● Jan. 9, 2025

The shortage of cash comes as Cubans grapple with a complex monetary system in which several currencies circulate, including a virtual currency, MLC, created in 2019.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 26, 2024